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OFFICIAL 


REPORTS  OF  BAnLES. 


PUBLISHED   BY  ORDER  OF  CONGRESS. 


RICHMOND: 

R.   M.  SMITH,  PUBLIC  PRINTER, 
1864. 


x   / 


<x 


3 


MESSAGE  OF  THE  TRESIDENT. 

Richmond,  Va.,  December  19,   18C3. 
To  the  House  of  Representatives  : 

I  herewith  transmit,  for  your  information,  a  communication  from 
the  Secretary  of  AVar,  covering  copies  of  several  reports  of  military 
operations. 

JEFFERSON  DAVIS. 


COMMUNICATION  FROM  THE    SECRETARY  OF  WAR. 

Confederate  States    of  America,  War  Department, 
Richmond,   Va.,  December  15,  1863. 

2b  his  Excellency,  the  President : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith,  for  the  information  of 
the  House  of  Representatives,  copies  of  the  following  reports  of  bat- 
tles : 

Major  General  D.  II.  Hill — Report  of  Seven  Pines. 

Major  General  Loring — Report  of  Fayette  Court-house,  Gauley, 
&c,,  with  pursuit  to  the  Ohio,  with  sub  reports.* 

Major  General  Polk — Report  of  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  being  an  ad- 
ditional copy,  prepared  in  consequence  of  an  allegation  that  the  copy 
formerly  submitted  to  Congresr3  was  incorrect ;  which  allegation,  upon 
comparison  with  the  original,  was  discovered  to  be  unfounded. 

Major  General  Jackson — Report  of  Kernstown,  with  the  sub  reports. 

Major  General  Jackson — Report  of  McDowell,  with  the  sub  reports 
and  map.  * 

Major  General  Jackson — Report  of  Winchester,  with  the  sub  reports 
and  map. 

Brigadier  General  H.  Marshall — Operations  in  Western  Virginia, 
with  sub  reports. 

Brigadier  General  N.  G.  Evans — Enclosing  Colonel  P.  Mallett's 
report  of  Kinston. 

Brigadier  General  J.  Finegan — Report  of  operations  near  Jack- 
sonville. 

Major  General  Breckinridge — Report  of  Baton  Rouge. 

Major  General  Ilindman — Report  of  operations  in  trans-Missis- 
sippi to  November  3,  1862. 

Major  General  Ilindman — Report  of  engagement  near  Fayetteville. 

*  General  Loring'a  report  has  been  published  heretofore. 

344399 


ttV 


Colonel  J.  H.  Morgan — Report  of  capture  of  Tompkinsville. 

Lieutenant  General  Pemberton — Report  of  Vicksburg,  from  De- 
cember 26,  1S62,  to  January  3,  1863,  and  sub  reports,  (Ilis  report 
of  operations  involving  Port  Gibson,  Baker's  Creek,  and  the  final 
siege  of  Vicksburg,  is  not  submitted  herewith,  but  vrill  be  with  that 
of  General  Johnston,  applying  to  the  same  campaign.) 

Major  General  Loring — Report  of  the  battle  of  the  Tallahatchie. 

Major  Gene/al  Ix)ring — Report  of  operations  in  the  Yazoo  and 
Tallahatchie. 

Brigadier  General  J.  II.  Morgan — Report  of  his  Kentucky  expe- 
dition. 

Major  General  Breckinridge — Report  of  Murfreesboro',  with  cer- 
tain sub  reports,  and  General  Bragg's  appendix  thereto. 

Lieutenant  General  Polk — Report  of  Murfreesboro',  with  appendix 
thereto,  and  sub  reports ;  also,  sub  reports  of  Lieutenant  General 
Hardee's  corps. 

General  Bragg — Enclosing  reports  of  Generals  Forest  and  Morgan, 
and  the  plan  of  the  then  closed  campaign. 

.  Brigadier  General  N.  B.  Fotest — Expedition  to  Brentwood,    with 
sub  reports. 

Brigadier  General  T.  J.  Churchill — Report  of  Arkansas  Post. 

Brigadier  General  H.  P  Bee  and  Major  F.  A.  Bl.ucher — Engage- 
ments at  Corpus  Christi  and  Levaca,  with  map  and  sub  reports. 

Major  General  Magruder — Capture  of  Harriet  Lane,  &c.,  at  Gal- 
veston. 

Major  General  Magruder — Capture  of  blockading  squadron  at  Sa- 
bine Pass 

Major  General  Magruder — Operations  since  arrival  in  Texas,  in- 
cluding recapture  of  Galveston. 

Major  General  Taylor — Engagement  of  12th,  13th,  and  14th  of 
April,  and  operations  south  of  Red  River,  Western  Louisiana, 

Major  General   Sam  Jones — Battle  of  the  White  Sulphur  Springs. 

General  Bragg — Report  of  Chattanooga. 
I  am,  sir,  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  A.  SEDDON, 

Secretary  of  War, 


THE  flO^VERS  CQllECTlQg 

BATTLE  OF  SEVEN  PINES. 


IIEPORT  OF  GENERAL  D.  IT.  HILL. 


Headquarters  Divisiow. 

Major  General  LoNGSTREET :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  part 
taken  by  my  division  in  the  battle  of  Seven  Pines  on  the  31st  of 
May  and  1st  of  June.  Two  of  my  brigades,  that  of  Garland  and 
that  of  Rodes,  were  sent  out  on  picket  duty  a  few  days  before  the 
battle.  Garland  guarded  the  Williamsburg  road,  while  Rodes  de- 
fended the  Charles  Ci«"j  roid.  Both  of  those  officers  made  armed 
reconnoissances,  by  my  order  and  under  my  personal  supervision. 
These  reconnoissances  satisfied  me  that  the  enemy  was  not  in  force 
on  the  Charles  City  road,  but  was  on  the  Williamsburg  road,  and 
that  he  had  fortified  himself  about  the  Seven  Pines.  The  fact  wag 
further  established  that  the  whole  of  Keyes'  corps  had  crossed  the 
Chickahominy.  These  facts  I  communicated  to  General  Johnston 
about  noon  on  Friday,  SOth  of  May.  I  received  a  prompt  answer 
from  him,  saying  that,  being  satisfied  by  my  report  of  the  presence  of 
the  enemy  in  force  in  my  immediate  front,  he  had  resolved  to  attack 
him,  and  directed  me  to  serve  with  Major  General  Longstreet  and 
under  his  orders.  I  was  directed  by  General  Longstreet  to  move 
with  my  whole  division,  at  dawn,  on  the  Williamsburg  road,  and  to 
lead  the  attack  on  the  Yankees.  I  was,  however,  directed  not  to 
move  until  relieved  by  Iluger's  division.  The  relieving  force  not 
having  reached  me  at  one  o'clock,  the  signal  guns  were  fired,  and  my 
division  moved  off  in  fine  style — Rodes'  brigade  on  the  right  of  the 
road,  supported  by  Rains'  brigade  ;  Garland  on  th«  left,  supported  by 
G.  B.  Anderson.  Each  wing  was  preceded  by  a  regiment  deployed 
as  skirmishers.  Having  been  long  delayed  in  waiting  for  the  reliev- 
ing force,  the  right  wing  did  not  advance  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour 
«,fter  the  left.     This  exposed   Garland   and   Anderson   to  the  whole 


.144399 


Yankee  force.  The  right  Aving  was  hurrieii  forward  and  came  up 
handsomely,  preserving  the  line,  although  Wading  through  the  mud 
and  water  in  places  two  or  three  feet  deep.  I  now  detached  General 
Rains  to  make  a  wide  Hank  movement  to  take  the  Yankee  works  in 
reverse,  while  Rodes  n.oved  steadily  to  the  front.  Before  he  (Rodcs) 
reached  the  Yniikoic  ahattis.  Garland  and  Andersen  had  captar(da 
two-gun  battery,  enfilading  the  road.  A  heavy  column  of  reinforce- 
ments was  now  coming  up  to  the  assistance  of  the  Yankee  General, 
Casey,  commanding  at  Seven  Pines.  Having  previously  put  the 
battery  of  Bondurant  in  position,  I  now  brought  up  that  of  Carter, 
which  opened  just  at  the  critical  moment.  The  Y'^ankee  column  was 
almost  in  musket  range  of  the  gallant  Colonel  William  Smith,  forty- 
ninth  V^irginia,  and  his  noble  regiment.  The  Yankees  came  up  as 
on  a  parade  day,  until  Carter's  shot  and  shell  began-  to  play  among 
them,  when  they  broke  and  sought  shelter  in  the  woods.  An  ani- 
mated artillery  duel  now  began  between  Carter's'  four  guns  and  six 
Y'^ankee  guns.  General  Rains  had  now  gained  the  rear  of  the  Yankee 
redoubt  and  opened  fire  on  the  infantry  posted  in  the  woods.  I  now 
noticed  commotion  in  the  camps  and  •  redoubts,  and  indications  of 
evacuating  the  position.  Rodes  tcok  skillful  advantage  of  this  com- 
motion, and  moved  up  his  brigade  in  beautiful  order  and  took 
possession  of  the  redoubts  and  rifle-pits.  So  rapid  was  the  advance 
that  six  pieces  were  abandoned  by  the  Y'^ankees.  These  Roiies  had 
turned  upon  the  retreating  column  with  effect.  Carter  galloped  up 
with  his  pieces,  and  tliese,  with  the  captured  guns,  success-fuily  re- 
pulsed an  attempt  of  fresh  Yankee  troops  to  recapture  the  works. 
We  had  now  c;.ptured  eight  pieces  of  artillery,  the  camp,  tents  and 
stores  of  a  brigade,  and  had  successfully  driven  the  Y'^ankees  back  a 
mile  and  a  half,  forcing  them  to  abandon  a  wide  skirt  of  abattis,  rifle- 
pits  and  redoubts.  My  division  had  beaten  Casey's  division  and  all 
the  reinforcements  brought  him,  and  had  driven  him  and  his  su{)port8 
into  the  woods  and  swamps.  It  was  desirable,  however,  to  press  the 
Yankees  as  closely  as  possible.  I  therefore  sent  back  to  General 
Longstreet  and  asked  for  another  brigade.  In  a  few  minutes  the 
magnificent  brigade  of  R.  II.  Anderson  came  to  my  support.  A 
portion  of  this  force,  under  Colonel  Jenkins,  consisticg  of  the  Pal- 
metto Sharpshooters  and  the  sixth  South  Carolina,  was  sent  on  the 
extreme  left  to  scour  along  the  railroad  and  Nine  Mile  road,  and  thus 
get  in  rear  of  the  enemy,  while  a  portion,  under  General  Anderson 
in  persen,  was  sent  on  the  immediate  left  of  the  redoubt,  into  the 
wcods,  where  the  Yankees  had  hid  after  having  been  repulsed  by  the 
fire  of  Carter's  battery  and  the  captured  guns,  under  the  direction  of 
General  Rodes.  The  Yankees  permitted  General  R.  II.  Anderson  to 
get  within  a  few  yards  of  them,  when  they  opened  a  murderous  fire 
upon  him  from  their  cover  in  the  woods.  His  heroes  replied  with 
interest,  and  some  guns,  which  were  brought  to  enfilade  the  Yankee 
lines,  added  to  their  confusion,  and  they  were  soon  in  full  retreat. 
They  were  hotly  pursued,  and  R.  II.  Anderson  and  Jenkins,  assisted 
by  portions  of  G.  B.  Anderson's  brigade  of  my  division,  swept  on 
the  left  of  the  road,  driving  brigade  after  brigade  of  the  Yankees 


before  them,  capturing  two  more  cannon,  several  camps,  with  their 
commissary  and  quartermaster  stores,  and  finally,  after  dark,  halting 
more  than  a  mile  beyond  the  main  works  of  the  Yankees  at  Seven 
Pines.  While  this  was  going  on,  Bearing's  battery  had  been  sent  up 
by  General  Longstreet,  and  rendered  important  service  during  the 
day,  the  officers  and  men  behaving  most  heroically.  I  now  resolved 
to  drive  the  Yankees  out  of  the  woods  on  the  right  of  the  road,  where 
they  were  still  in  strong  force  General  Rains  was  near  them,  and  a 
written  order  was  carried  him  by  my  adjutant  to  move  further  to  the 
right.  I  regret  that  that  gallant  and  meritorious  oflGcer  did  not  ad- 
vance further  in  that  direction.  He  would  have  taken  the  Yankees 
in  flank,  and  the  direct  attack  of  Rodes  in  front  would  have  been  less 
bloody.  The  magnificent  brigade  of  Rodes  moved  over  the  open 
ground  to  assault  the  Yankees,  strongly  posted  in  the  wools.  He 
met  a  most  galling  fire,  and  his  advance  was  checked.  A  portion  of 
his  command  met  with  a  disastrous  repulse.  Kemper's  brigade  was 
now  sent  mo  by  General  Longstreet,  and  directed  by  me  to  move 
directly  to  the  support  of  Rodes.  This  brigade,  however,  did  not 
engage  the  Yankees,  and  Rodes'  men  were  badly  cut  up.  By  night- 
fall, nevertheless,  the  Yankees  were  driven  out  of  the  woods,  and  we 
held  undisputed  possession  of  all  the  ground  a  mile  around  and  in 
advance  of  the  redoubt,  which  had  been  the  object  of  the  struggle. 
The  remaining  brigades  of  General  Longstreet — Pickett's,  Wilcox's, 
Pr^-or's,  and  Colston's — reported  to  me  for  ord:-rs  tliat  night. 

The  tents  and  commissariat  of  the  Yankee  General,  Casey,  were 
found  to  be  in  excellent  condition,  and  we  all  fared  well  that  night. 
The  result  of  the  day  had  been  most  cheering.  My  division,  weak- 
ened by  one  brigade,  and  numbering  less  than  nine  thousand  men,  had 
driven  the  Yankees  a  mile  and  a  half,  and  captured  their  stronghold; 
and  when  it  had  been  strengthened  by  two  more  brigades,  the  Yankees 
were  driven  a  mile  further  in,  and  prisoners  were  taken  from  three 
divisions.  We  had,  therefore,  fought  with  the  odds  against  us  of  two  to 
one  in  numbers,  and  this  disparity  rendered  more  formidable  by  abattia 
and  earthworks.  At  daylight,  next  morning,  I  learned  that  heavy 
reinforcements  had  come  up  to  the  support  of  Keyes.  Longstreet'a, 
Huger's,  and  my  own  division  had  opposed  to  us  three  Yankee  corps 
— Keyes',  Sumner's  and  Heintzelman's.  We  also  learned  that  Gene- 
ral G.  W.  Smith  had  been  checked  upon  the  Nine  Mile  road,  and  that 
no  help  could  be  expected  in  that  direction.  .1  therefore  resolved  to 
concentrate  my  troops  around  the  captured  works,  in  the  hope  that 
the  Yankees  would  attempt  to  retake  them.  Orders  were  accordingly 
given  to  the  advance  brigades  commanded  by  Pickett,  Pryor  and 
Wilcox,  to  draw  in  their  extended  lines  and  form  near  the  late  head- 
quarters of  General  Casey.  Before  these  orders  were  received,  a  fu- 
rious attack  was  made  upon  Generals  Annistead,  Mahone,  Pickett, 
Pryor  and  Wilcox,  and  their  brigades  on  the  left  of  the  road.  Arm- 
istead's  men  fled  early  in  the  action,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
heroic  companies,  with  which  that  gallant  oflScer  maintained  his 
ground  against  an  entire  brigade.  Mahone  withdrew  his  brigade  with- 
out any  orders.     I  sent  up  Colston's  to  replace  him,  but  he  did  not  en- 


8 

gage  the  Yankees  as  I  expected  him  to  do.  Pickett,  Pryor  and  Wilcox 
received  their  orders  to  fall  hick  after  the  firing  began,  and  wistly  re* 
solved  not  to  do  so  until  the  assault  was  repulsed.  As  soon  as  that 
was  done,  Wilcox  and  Pryor  withdrew,  but  Pickett  held  his  ground 
against  the  odds  of  ten  to  one,  for  several  hours  longer,  and  only  re- 
tired when  the  Yankees  had  ceased  to  annoy  him.  The  Yankees  were 
too  prudent  to  attack  us  in  position,  and  contented  themselves  for  the 
balance  of  the  day  in  a  desultory  fire  of  artillery,  which  hurt  no  one, 
and  was  only  attended  with  the  gratifying  result  of  stampeding  the  ama- 
teur fighters  and  the  camp  plunderers  from  Richmond.  The  batteries 
of  Moran,  Stribbling  and  Watson  had  been  added  to  those  of  the  pre- 
ceding day  by  General  Longstreetj  and  an  occasional  shot  was  fired 
in  response  to  the  Yankee  artillery.  The  day  was  spent  in  remov- 
ing six  thousand  seven  hundred  muskets  and  rifles,  in  fine  condition, 
ordnance,  commissary,  and  medical  stores.  Ten  captured  guns  had 
been  removed  the  ni^ht  before.  As  the  Y'^ankeos  occupied  the  ground 
in  our  rear,  on  the  Nine  Mile  road.  General  Longstreet  sent  me  an 
order  after  dark  to  withdraw  my  whole  command. 

The  thirteen  brigades  were  not  got  together  until  near  midnight, 
and  the  delicate  operation  of  withdrawing  thirty  thousand  men  in  the 
presence  of  a  superior  force  of  the  enemy,  had  to  be  performed  before 
daylight.  The  artillery  and  wagons  had  to  pass  through  slushes  and 
mud-holes  over  their  axles,  and  the  whole  road  was  almost  impassable 
for  infantry.  Nevertheless,  we  regained  our  own  entrenchments  by 
sunrise,  without  leaving  behind  a  gun,  caisson,  wagon,  or  even  a 
straggling  soldier.  The  officers  and  men  of  other  divisions  who  es- 
pecially distinguished  themselves,  will  beappropiately  noticed  by  their 
own  commanders.  It  will  only  be  expected  of  me  to  call  attention  to 
gallantry  and  good  conduct  among  my  own  men. 

Generals  Garland,  G.  B.  Anderson  and  Rodes,  of  ray  division, 
who  led  the  attack  in  front,  did  all  that  brave  and  skilful  officers  could 
possibly  do. 

Xhe  flank  attack  of  General  Rains  was  most  opportune  and  import- 
ant. General  Garland,  when  Kis  brigade  was  not  actually  engaged, 
reported  to  me  with  his  aid  and  adjutant,  to  serve  in  my  staff.  In 
that  capacity,  he  rendered  the  most  valuable  services,  and  was  much 
exposed.  His  adjutant  (Meem)  was  killed,  and  his  aid  (Ilalsey)  se- 
verely wounded,  near  me.  I  had  frequent  occasion  to  notice  the  gal- 
lant bearing  of  these  t\vo  officers. 

All  the  regimental  commanders  acquitted  themselves  with  great 
credit. 

Colonel  Jones  of  the  twelfth  Alabama,  left  a  sick  bed  to  find  a 
bloody  grave  on  the  battle-field.  He  was  one  of  the  very  best  officers 
and  purest  men  in  the  army. 

The  company  as  well  as  the  regimental  officers  deserve  the  highest 
praise,  and  the  rank  and  file  fought  with  a  gallantry  never  surpassed. 
It  is  seldom  that  even  veteran  troops  will  endure  a  greater  loss  than 
one-fourth,  but  these  noble  fellows  marched  steadily  on  after  one-third 
of  their  number  had  been  struck  down.  The  heroism  shown  at  Seven 
Pines  has  had  a  most  wonderful  influence  upon  the  subsequent  battled 


around  Richmond.  After  this  decisive  victory  under  such  disadvan- 
tageous circumstances,  not  a  brigade  in  the  ranks  seemed  to  enter- 
tain the  remotest  doubt  of  our  ultimate  success  over  the  besieging 
army  of  Yankees.  It  is  due  to  my  gallant  division  to  say,  that  the 
great  majority  of  the  men  had  never  before  been  in  battle,  and  yet 
they  infused  a  spirit  into  the  whole  army,  which  told  with  powerful 
eifect  in  all  the  subsequent  engagements,  ending  in  the  total  rout  of 
McClellan.  My  thanks  are  especially  due  to  all  of  my  staff,  who  were 
active,  brave  and  efficient.  Major  Ratchford,  A.  A.  G.,  Major  Pier- 
Bon,  chief  of  artillery.  Captain  Tajloe,  Inspector  General,  Lieuten- 
ant West,  aids-de-camp,  Lieutenant  Lee,  engineer  officer.  Lieutenants 
Moore  and  Fitzhugh,  volunteer  aids,  were  in  all  parts  of  the  field, 
and  more  or  less  all  had  marks  personal  of  exj  osure,  Lieutentant  West 
had  two  horses  killed  under  him,  a  third  wounded.  Several  of  the 
others  had  their  clothes  perforated  by  balls.  Sergeant  Ilarmilin  and 
his  detachment  of  couriers  were  active  and  faithful.  Courier  Braden, 
and  the  two  Chamblins,  were  specially  distinguished.  The  sergeant 
had  his  horse  killed  under  him,  and  was  himself  wounded  Two  of 
my  batteries,  under  Hardaway  and  Nelson,  were  left  behind  in  our 
entrenchments.  These  gallant  officers  would  have  been  worthy  com- 
peers on  the  field  of  Carter  and  Bonduraftt.  Appended  is  a  list  of 
the  killed  and  wounded.  From  this  it  appears  that  of  the  less  than 
nine  thousand  taken  into  action,  nearly  three  thousand  were  struck 
down.  The  loss  was  principally  in  the  three  brigades  which  made 
the  front  attack.  Rains'  brigide,  which  executed  the  flank  move- 
ment, suffered  but  little  in  comparison.  The  gallant  charge  of  my 
division  demoralized  the  Yankees,  and  our  reinforcements  were  not 
hotly  engaged,  the  succor  brought  to  Casey  not  fighting  so  well  as 
his  own  men.  This  accounts  for  the  fact  that  more  than  half  of  the 
entire  loss  in  the  two  days'  fight  fell  upon  my  division. 

With  great  respect, 

D.  H.  HILL, 

Major  G^itrnl, 


BATTLE  OF  SHILOH. 


KEPORT  OF  GENEIIAL  POLK. 


Headquarters  Polk's  Corps,  ) 

Army  of  Tennesseey  February  4,  1863.  i 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General^  C.   S.  A., 

Richmond   Fa.  : 

Sir  :  In  reply  to  your  note,  I  have  the  honor  to  send  you  herewith 
my  official  report  of  the  operations  of  the  first  corps  of  the  army  of 
:he  Mississippi,  commanded  by  me  at  the  battle  of  Shiloh.  It  has 
been  delayed  much  beyond  the  time  when  it  should  have  been 
forwarded,  but  the  pressing  nature  of  my  engagements  since  that 
battle  has  been  such  as  to  make  it  impracticable  to  complete  and 
forward  it  sooner. 

I  am,  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

L.   POLK, 
Lieutenant  General  commanding. 


Headquarters  Right  Wing,  > 

Army  of  the  Mississippi,  September,   1862.  y 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General, 

Richmond,   Virginia : 

I  beg  lea,ve  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  takea  by  the 
troops  composing  my  corps  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh.     It  was  resolved 


12 

by  our  commander-in-chief,   General  Johnston,  to  attack  the  enemy 
in  his  poBition  on  ihe  Tennessee  river,  if  possible,  at  dajbreak  on  the 
oth  of  Apiil.      My  corps    consisted  of  two  divisions   of  two  brigades 
•each,   commanded,   ret-pectively,    by   Major  General    Cheatham    and 
Brigadier  General  Clark,  and  with  the  exception  of  three  regiments — 
one  frcm   Louisiana,   Mississippi,  and  Arkansrs,  respectively — vraa 
composed  of  Tcnnesseeans.     Major  General  Cheatham's  division  was 
on  out-post  duty  at  and  near  Bethel,  on  the  Mobile  and  Ohio  railroad, 
and  was  ordered  to  proceed  to  a  point  near  I'ittsburg  landing,  on  the 
river,  for  the  purpose  of  joining  in  the  contemplated  attack.     C)n  the 
3d  of  April  I  was  directed  to  march  so  much  of  my  corps  as  was  still 
at  Corinth,  towards  the  same  point.     The  route  to  be  taken  was  that 
pursued  by  the  corps  of  General  Hardee   over  the  Ridge  and  Bark 
roads,  and  I  was  ordered  to  march   so  as  to  allow  an  interval   of  half 
an  hour  between  the  two  corps.     This  c:der  I  was  directed  to  observe 
until  I  reached  Mickie's.    On  reaching  Mickie's  my  instructions  were 
to    halt,    to    allow    the    corps   of  General   Bragg — whose    route    fell 
into    ours    at    that  point — to    fall  in  and  follow    in    the  immediate 
rear  of  General    Hardee.     The  plan  of  battle  was  that  the  corps  of 
General  Hardee  should  form  the  frcnt  line  ;  that   of  General  Bragg 
the  second  ;  my  corps  and  that  of  General  Breckinridge  to  constitute 
the  third  or    reserve.     I    maintained   the   interval  ordered   betweeii 
General'Hardee's  and  my  corps  during  the  night  of  the  third  and 
during  the  following  day,  and  lialted  the  head   of  my  column  at  the 
cross-roads  at  MicUe's  about  dark,  on  the  4th,  according  to  instruc- 
tions, my  column  being  well  up.    At  Mickie's  we  were  about  two  and  a 
half  miles  from  the  place  at  which  our  line  of  battle  was  to  be  formed, 
and  here  the  head  of  Gen.  Bragg's  corps  also  bivouacked  on  the  samo 
night.   At  three  o'clock  on  the  following  morning — Saturday,  the  itli — 
the  whole  of  my   command  was  under  arms    in    waiting   for  the  road 
which  it  could  not  take,  as  it   was  occupied  by  the  troops  of  General 
Bragg,  which  were  filing  into  the  rear   of  those   of  General  Hardee. 
It  was  now  manifest  that  the  attack  at  daybreak  could  be  made;  that 
the  troops  could  not  reach  their  position  in  time,  and  that  the  failure 
was  owing  to  the  condition  of  the  roads,  which  was  exceedingly  bad, 
in  consequence  of  the  heavy  rains  which   had  fallen.     I   took  a  posi- 
tion earl}'  in  the  morning,  near  the  forks  of  the  road,  to  Avait  for  the 
troops  of  General  Bragg  to  pass.      While  there  in  waiting,  at  ten,  A. 
M.,  Generals  A.  S.  Johnston  and  Beauregard,  with   their  staffs,  rode 
ap  from  the  rear,  end  halting  opposite  me,  gave  me  orders  to  move 
promptly  in  rear  of  General  Bragg,  so  that  1  might  give  the  road  to 
General  Breckinridge,  who  was  to  follow  me,  coming  in  from  General 
Bragg's  route.     I  was  also  ordered  to  halt  my  column  one  and  a  half 
miles  in  rear  of  the  place  at   which  General  Bragg's  line  of  battle 
crossed  the  road,  and  to  deploy  my  corps  to  the  left,  on  a  line  par- 
allel to  that  of  General    Bragg,   General  Breckinridge  having  been 
•ordered  to  halt  at  the  same  point,  and  deploy  his  corps  to  the  right, 
with  his  left  resting  on  my  right. 

It  was  n€a;r  two  o'clock  before  the  whole  of  General  Bragg's  corps 
had  passed.     I  then  put  «ny  column  in  motion,  and  rode  to  the  front. 


Proceeding  half  a  mile,  I  sent  Lieutenant  Richmond,  my  aid-de-camp, 
forward,  to  ascertain  the  point  at  which  General  Bragg's  line  would 
cross  the  road,  and  to  measure  back  for  the  place  at  which  I  was  to 
halt  and  deploy.  This  he  did,  and  on  reaching  the  place  Lieutenant 
Richmond  informed  me  that  the  road  I  was  pursuing  ran  into  that 
across  which  General  Bragg  was  forming,  at  an  obtuse  angle.  Ifr  be- 
came necessary  then,  before  I  could  form,  to  ascercain  the  general  di- 
rection of  the  line  in  front  of  me.  To  effect  this,  I  sent  forward  my 
Inspector  General  Blake,  and,  leaving  a  staff  officer  to  halt  my  column 
at  the  proper  place,  I  proceeded  myself  to  aid  in  the  reconnoissance. 
I  had  not  advanced  far  before  I  came  upon  General  Ruggles,  who 
commanded  General  Bragg's  left,  deploying  his  troops.  Having  as- 
certained the  direction  of  the  line,  I  did  not  wait  for  him  to  com- 
plete it,  but  returned  to  the  head  of  my  column  to  give  the  necessary 
orders.  By  this  time  it  was  near  four  o'clock,  and  on  arriving  I  was 
informed  that  General  Beauregard  desired  to  see  me  immediately.  I 
rode  forward  to  his  headquarters  at  once,  Avhere  I  found  General  Bragg 
and  himself  in  conversation.  He  said,  with  some  feeling,  "I  am 
very  much  disappointed  at  the  delay  which  has  occurred  in  getting  the 
troops  into  position."  I  replied,  "  So  am  I,  sir,  but,  so  far  as  1  am 
concerned,  my  orders  are  to  form  on  another  line,  and  that  lino  must 
first  be  established  before  I  can  form  upon  it."  I  continued :  "  I 
reached  Mickie's  at  nightfall  yesterday,  from  whence  I  could  not 
move,  because  of  the  troops  which  were  before  me,  until  two,  P. 
M  ,  to-day.  I  then  promptly  followed  the  column  in  front  of  me, 
and  have  been  in  position  to  form  upon  it  so  soon  as  its  line  was 
established."  He  said,  "  He  regretted  the  delay  exceedingly,  as  it 
would  make  it  necessary  to  forego  the  attack  altogether  ;  that  our  suc- 
cess depended  upon  our  surprising  the  enemy  ;  that  this  was  now  im- 
possible, and  we  must  fall  back  to  Corinth."  Here  General  Johnston 
came  up,  and  asked  what  was  the  matter.  General  Beauregard  re- 
ported what  he  had  said  to  me.  General  Johnston  remarked  that  this 
would  never  do,  and  proceeded  to  assign  reasons  for  that  opinion.  He 
then  asked  what  I  thought  of  it.  I  replied,  ray  troops  were  in  as  good 
condition  as  they  had  ever  been ;  that  they  were  eager  for  battle ; 
that  to  retire  now  v,  ould  operate  injuriously  upon  them  ;  and  I  thought 
we  ought  to  attack.  General  Breckinridge,  whose  troops  were  in  the 
rear,  and  by  this  time  had  arrived  upon  the  ground,  here  joined  us  ; 
and  after  some  discussion  it  was  decided  to  postpone  further  move- 
ment until  the  following  day,  and  to  make  the  attack  at  daybreak, 

I  then  proceeded  to  dispose  of  my  divisions — Cheatham  having  ar- 
rived— according  to  an  alteration  in  the  programme,  and  we  bivou- 
acked for  the  night. 

At  the  appointed  hour  on  the  morning  of  the  6th,  my  troops  were- 
moved  forward,  and  so  soon  as  they  were  freed  from  an  obstruction 
formed  by  a  thicket  of  underbrush,  they  were  formed  in  column  of 
brigades,  and  pressed  cnward  to  the  support  of  the  second  line.  Gen- 
eral Clark's  division  was  in  front.  We  had  not  proceeded  far  before 
the  first  line,  under  General  Hardee,  was  under  fire  throughout  its 
length,  and  the  second,  under  General  Bragg,  was  also  engaged.    The 


14 

first  order  received  by  mo  was  from  Gen,  Johnston,  who  had  ridden  to 
the  front  to  watch  the  opening;  operations,  and  who,  as  commander-in- 
chief,  seemed  deeply  impressed  with  the  responsibilities  of  his  posi- 
tion. It  wa«?  observed  that  he  entered  upon  his  work  with  the  ardor 
and  energy  of  a  true  soldier,  and  the  vigor  with  which  he  pressed 
forward  his  troops  gave  assurance  that  his  persistent  determination 
would  close  the  day  with  a  glorious  victory.  The  order  was,  to  send 
him  a  brigade  to  the  right,  for  the  support  of  the  line  of  General 
Bragg,  then  hotly  engaged.  The  brigade  of  General  Stewart,  of 
General  Clark's  division,  was  immediately  despatched  to  him,  and  was 
led  by  him  in  person  to  the  point  requiring  support.  I  was  then  or- 
dered by  General  Beauregard  to  pend  one  of  the  brigades  of  my  rear 
division  to  the  support  of  General  Bragg's  left,  which  was  pressed  by 
the  enemy.  Orders  were  given  to  that  effect  to  General  Cheatham, 
who  took  charge  of  the  brigade  in  person,  and  executed  the  move- 
ment promptly.  My  two  remaining  brigades  were  held  in  hand,  un- 
til I  received  orders  to  move  them  directly  to  the  front,  to  the  support 
of  General  Bragg's  centre.  These  were  Colonel  Russell's,  of  General 
Clark's  division,  which  was  directed  by  that  officer,  and  General  Bush- 
rod  Johnson's,  of  General  Cheatham's  division.  They  moved  forward 
)it  once,  and  were  both  very  soon  warmly  engaged  with  the  enemy. 
The  resistance  at  this  point  was  as  stubborn  as  at  any  other  on  the 
field.  The  forces  of  the  enemy*  to  which  we  were  opposed  were  un- 
derstood to  be  those  of  General  Sherman,  supported  by  the  command 
of  General  McClernand,  and  fought  with  determined  courage,  and 
contested  every  inch  of  ground.  Here  it  was  that  the  gallant  Blythe, 
Colonel  of  the  Mississippi  regiment  bearing  his  own  name,  fell,  under 
my  eye,  pierced  through  the  heart  while  charging  a  battery.  It  was 
here  that  Brigadier  General  Johnson,  while  leading  his  brigade,  fell 
also,  it  was  feared,  mortally  wounded  ;  and  General  Clark,  too,  while 
cheering  his  command  amidst  a  shower  of  shot  and  shell,  was  struck 
down,  and  so  severely  wounded  in  the  shoulder  as  to  disable  him  from 
further  service,  and  compel  him  to  turn  over  a  command  he  had  taken 
into  the  fight  with  such  distinguished  gallantry.  And  here,  also,  fell 
many  officers  of  lesser  grade — among  them  the  gallant  Captain  Mar- 
shall T.  Polk,  of  Polk's  battery,  who  lost  a  leg — as  well  as  many  pri- 
vates, who  sealed  their  devotion  to  our  cause  with  their  blood.  We 
nevertheless  drove  the  enemy  before  us,  dislodged  him  from  his  strong 
positions,  and  captured  two  of  his  batteries.  One  of  them  was  taken 
by  the  thirteenth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  commanded  by  Col- 
onel Vaughn  ;  the  other  by  the  one  hundred  and  fifty-fourth  senior 
regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  commanded  by  Colonel  Preston  Smith  ; 
'-the  former  of  Col.  Russell's,  the  latter  of  General  Johnson's  brigade. 
After  these  successes,  the  enemy  retired  in  the  direction  of  the 
*river,  and  while  they  were  being  pressed,  I  sought  out  General  Bragg, 
'to  whose  support  I  had  been  ordered,  and  asked  him  where  he  would 
have  my  command.  He  replied,  if  you  will  take  care  of  the  centre 
I  will  go  to  the  right.  It  was  understood  that  General  Hardee  was 
attending  to  the  left.  I  accepted  the  arrangement,  and  took  charge 
of  the  operations  in  that  part  of  the  general  line,  for  the  rest  of  the 


15 

day.  It  was  fought  by  three  of  my  brigades  only,  General  Stewart's, 
General  Johnson's, — afterwards  Colonel  Preston  Smith's — and  Colo- 
nel Russell's.  My  fourth  brigade,  that  of  Colonel  Maney,  under 
the  command  of  General  Cheatham,  was  on  th-e  right  with  Generala 
Bragg  and  Breckinridge.  These  three  brigades,  with  occasionally  a 
regiment  cf  some  other  corps  which  became  detached,  were  fully  em- 
ployed in  the  field  assigned  me.  They  fought  over  the  same  groun(i 
three  times  ;  as  the  fortunes  of  the  day  varied,  always  with  steadiness, 
a  single  instance  only  excepted,  and  that  only  for  a  moment,  ami 
with  occasional  instances  of  brilliant  courage. 

Such  was  the  case  of  the  thirty-third  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers, 
under  Colonel  A.  W.  Campbell,  and  the  fifth  Tennessee,  under  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Venable,  both  for  the  moment  under  command  of 
Colonel  Campbell.  Shortly  after  they  were  first  brought  forward  as 
a  supporting  force,  they  found  themselves  ordered  to  support  two 
regiments  of  the  line  before  them,  which  were  laying  down  and  en- 
gaging the  enemy  irregularly.  On  advancing;  they  drew  the  enemy's 
fire,  over  the  heads  of  the  regiments  in  their  front.  It  was  of  20 
fierce  a  character  that  they  must  either  advance  or  fall  back.  Camp- 
bell called  to  the  regiments  before  him  to  charge.  This  they  declined 
to  do.  He  then  gave  orders  to  his  own  rcginients  to  charge,  and  le  \ 
them  in  gallant  style  over  the  heads  of  the  regiments  lying  in  advance 
of  him,  sweeping  the  enemy  before  him,  and  putting  them  completely 
to  route.  In  this  charge  Colonel  Campbell  was  severely  wounded, 
but  still  retained  his  command.  Such  also  was  the  charge  made  by 
the  fourth  Tennessee,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Strahl.  This  was  against 
a  battery  of  heavy  guns,  which  was  making  sad  havoc  in  our  ranks, 
and  was  well  supported  by  a  large  infantry  force.  In  reply  to  an 
enquiry  by  their  cool  and  determined  brigade  commander — General 
Stewart — ''can  you  take  that  battery"  their  colonel  said,  *'  we  will 
try;"  and  at  the  order  "forward"  they  moved  at  a  double-quick  to 
within  thirty  paces  of  the  enemy's  guns,  halted,  delivered  one  round, 
and  with  a  yell  charged  the  battery,  and  captured  several  prisoners 
and  every  gun.  These  prisoners  reported  their  battery  was  supported 
by  four  Ohio  and  three  Illinois  regiment.  It  was  a  brilliant  achieve- 
ment, but  an  expensive  one.  In  making  the  charge  the  enemy  lost 
thirty-one  killed  on  the  spot,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  wouuded,  yet 
it  illustrated  and  sustained  the  reputation  for  heroism,  of  the  gallant 
State  of  which  it  was  a  representative. 

About  three  o'clock,  intelligence  reached  me  that  the  commander- 
in-chief— General  Johnston — had  fallen.  He  fell  in  the  discharge  of 
his  duty,  leading  and  directing  his  troops.  His  loss  was  deeply  felt. 
It  was  an  event  Avhich  deprived  the  army  of  his  clear,  practical  judg- 
ment, and  determined  character,  and  himself  of  an  opportunity  which 
he  had  coveted,  for  vindicating  his  claims  to  the  confidence  of  his 
countrymen,  against  the  inconsiderate  and  unjust  reproaches  which. 
had  been  heaped  upon  him.  The  moral  influence  of  his  presence  had 
nevertheless  been  already  impressed  upon  the  army,  and  an  impulse 
given  to  its  action  which  the  news  of  his  death  increased  instead  of 
abated.     The  operation  of  the  day  had  now  become  so  far  developed 


16. 

ft8  to  foreshaflovf  the  result  with  a  good  decree  of  certainty,  and  it  was 

a'mclanchnly  fate  to  be  cut  off  when  victory  seemed  hastening  to 
perch  upon  his  standard.  He  was  a  true  soldier — high  toned,  emi- 
nently honorable  and  just,  considerate  of  the  rights  and  feelings  of 
others,  magnanimous  and  brave.  Ilis  military  capacity  was  also  of  a 
high  order,  and  his  devotion  to  the  cause  of  the  South  unsurpassed 
by  that  of  any  of  her  many  noble  sons  who  have  offered  up  tiieir  lives 
on  her  altar.  1  knew  him  well  from  boyhood — none  knew  him  bet- 
ter— and  I  take  pleasure  in  laying  on  his  tomb,  as  a  parting  offering, 
this  teatiraonial  of  my  appreciation  of  his  character  as  a  soldier,  a 
patriot,  and  a  man. 

The  enemy  in  our  front  was  gradually  and  successively  driven  from 
his  positions,  and  forced  from  the  field  back  on  the  river  bank.  About 
five,  P.  M.,  my  line  attacked  the  enemy's  troops — the  last  that  were 
left  upon  the  field — in  an  encampment  on  my  right.  The  attack  was 
iriade  in  front  and  flank.  The  resistance  was  sharp  but  short.  The 
enemy  perceiving  he  was  flanked  and  his  position  completely  turned, 
hoisted  the  white  flag,  and  surrendered.  It  proved  to  be  the  commands 
of  Generals  Prentice  and  William  L.  Wallace  ;  the  latter,  who  com- 
manded the  left  of  their  line,  was  killed  by  the  troops  of  General 
Bragg,  who  was  pressing  him  at  the  same  time  from  that  quarter.  The 
former  yielded  to  the  attack  of  my  troops  on  their  right,  and  delivered 
his  sword  with  his  command  to  Colonel  Russell,  one  of  my  brigade 
c6mmanders,  who  turned  him  over  to  me.  The  prisoners  turned  over 
were  about  two  thousand.  They  were  placed  in  charged  of  Lieuten- 
ant Richmond,  my  aid-de-camp,  and  with  a  detachment  of  cavalry. 
Bent  to  the  rear.  , 

I  take  pleasure  in  saying  that  in  this  part  of  the  operations  of  my 
troops,  they  were  aided  by  the  Crescent  regiment  of  Louisiana,  Col- 
onel M.  L.  Smith.  This  command  was  composed  chiefly  of  young 
laen  from  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  and  belonged  to  General  Bragg's 
corps.  It  had  been  posted  on  the  left  wing  in  the  early  part  oT  the 
diy,  to  hold  an  important  position,  where  it  was  detained,  and  did  not 
reach  the  field  until  a  late  hour.  On  arriving,  it  came  to  the  point 
at  which  I  was  commanding,  and  reported  to  me  for  orders.  The 
conduct  of  this  regiment  during  the  whole  afterni)on  was  distin- 
guished for  its  gallantry,  both  before  and  after  the  capture  of  the  com- 
mand of  Gen.  Prentice,  in  which  it  actively  participated.  Immediately 
after  the  surrender,  I  ordered  Col.  Lindsay,  in  command  of  one  of  the 
regiments  of  cavalry  belonging  to  my  corps,  to  take  command  of  all 
the  cavalry  at  hand,  and  pursue  euch  of  the  enemy  as  were  fleeing. 
He  detached  Lieutenant  Colonel  Miller,  of  his  own  regiment,  on  that 
service,  immediately,  while  he  proceeded  to  collect  and  take  charge  of 
other  commands.  Colonel  Miller  dashed  forward  and  intercepted  a 
battery,  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  river,  the  second. 
Michigan,  and  captured  it  before  it  could  unlimber  and  open  fire  It 
was  a  six  gun  battery,  complete  in  all  its  equipments,  and  was  cap- 
tured, men,  horses  and  guns.  A  portion  of  this  cavalry  rode  to  the 
river  and  watered  their  horses.  By  this  time,  the  troops  under  my 
command  were  joined  by  those  of  Generals  Bragg  and  Breckenridge, 


17 

and  my  fourth  brigade,  under  General  Cheitham,  from  tlie  right.  The 
field  was  clear,  the  rest  of  the  forces  of  the  enemy  were  diven  to  the 
river,  and  under  its  bank.  We  had  one  h  )ur  or  more  of  daylight 
still  left,  were  within  from  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  four  hundred 
yards  of  the  enemy's  position,  and  nothing  seemed  wanting  to  com- 
plete the  most  brilliant  victory  of  the  war,  but  to  press  forward,  and 
make  a  vigorous  assault  on  the  demoralized  remnant  of  his  forces. 
At  this  juncture  his  gunboats  dropped  down  the  river  ne\r  the  land- 
ing, where  his  troops  were  collected,  and  opened  a  tremendous  can- 
nonade of  shot  and  shell,  over  the  bank  in  the  direction  from  whence 
our  forces  were  approaehing.  The  height  of  the  plain  on  which  we 
were,  above  the  level  of  the  water,  was  about  one  hundred  feet,  so  that 
it  was  necessary  to  give  great  elevation  to  his  guns  to  enable  him  to 
fire  over  the  bank.  The  consequence  was  that  shot  could  take  ef- 
fect only  at  points  remote  from  the  river's  edge.  They  were  compar- 
atively harmless  to  our  troops  nearest  the  bank,  and  became  increas- 
ingly so  as  we  drew  near  the  enemy,  and  placed  him  between  us  and 
his  boats.  Here  the  impression  arose  that  our  forces  were  waging 
an  unequal  contest,  that  they  were  exhausted,  and  suifering  from  a 
murderous  fire,  and,  by  an  order  from  the  commanding  General, 
they  were  withdrawn  from  the  field.  One  of  my  divisions,  that  of  Gen- 
era! Clark,  consisting  of  Stewart's  and  RusselTs  brigades,  now  under 
the  command  of  General  Stewart,  bivouacked  on  the  ground  with  th.? 
rest  of  the  troops,  and  were  among  the  first  -to  engage  the  enemy  on 
the  following  morning.  They  were  actively  eng^iged  during  the  day, 
and  sustained  the  reputation  they  had  won  the  d  ly  before.  The  other 
division,  under  General  Cheatham,  a  brigade  of  which  was  separated 
from  me  at  an  early  hour  on  the  Gth,  and  was  fought  throughout  the 
day  with  a  skill  and  courage  which  always  distinguished  th.it  gallaut 
ofiicer,  was  moved  by  him  to  his  camp  of  the  night  before.  They 
were  taken  there  to  obtain  rations,  and  to  prepare  for  the  work  of  the 
following  day.  Hearing  they  had  gone  thither,  I  informed  General 
Beauregard  I  should  follow  them,  to  ensure  their  being  on  the  ground 
at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning.  This  I. did,  and  gave  orders  that 
night,  in  person,  to  General  Cheatham,  to  be  ready  to  move  at  day- 
light. Before  day,  I  despatched  my  aid-de-camp.  Lieutenant  Rich- 
mond, to  put  them  in  motion.  Their  march  was  stopped  for  some  time 
to  arrest  a  stampede  which  came  from  the  front ;  they  then  moved, 
under  the  command  of  General  Cheatham,  to  the  field.  I  sent  for- 
ward a  staff  officer  to  General  Beauregard,  to  inform  him  of  their  ap- 
proach, and  was  directed  to  post  them  in  the  rear  of  Shiloh  church, 
and  hold  them  until  further  orders.  This  was  about  eight  o'clock, 
A.  M. 

It  was  not  long  before  an  order  from  the  commanding  General  was 
received  to  move  these  troops  to  the  support  of  the  line  in  my  front,  ■ 
They  were  formed  in  line  of  battle,  and  moved  forward  half  a  mile 
to  the  position  held  by  General  Breckinridge.  Finding  he  was  able 
to  hold  his  position  without' assistance,  they  were  moved  by  the  left 
flank,  past  Shiloh  church,  to  form  on  the  left  of  our  line.  Here  they 
were  formed,  under  the  superrision  of  General  Cheatham,  immediately 
2 


18 

in  front  of  a  very  large  force  of  the  enemy,  now  pressing  vigorously 
to  turn  our  left  flank.  They  engaged  the  enemy  so  soon  as  they  uere 
formed,  and  fought  him  for  four  hours  one  of  the  most  desperately 
contested  conflicts  of  the  battle.  The  enemy  was  driven  gradually 
from  his  position,  and  though  reinforced  several  times  during  the 
engagement,  he  could  make  no  impression  on  that  part  of  our  line. 
During  this  engagement,  the  command  of  General  Cheatham  was 
reinforced  bv  a  Louisiana  brigade,  under  Colonel  Gibson,  and  by  the 
thirty-third  Tennessee,  under  Colonel  Campbell,  and  the  twenty-scv- 
cnthTennossee,  under  Major  liOve,  all  of  whom  did  admirable  service, 
and  the  last  fell  mortally  wounded  Colonel  Preston  Smith,  ccin- 
ijianding  a  brigade,  was  at  the  same  time  severely  wounded,  but 
it'tained  his  command.  This  force  maintained  the  position  ithadheld 
for  so  many  hours  uj»  to  , half-past  two  o'clock,  the  time  at  which 
orders  were  received  from  the  General  commanding  to  withdraw  the 
troops  from  the  field.  I  gave  orders  accordingly,  and  the  command 
was  retired  slowly  and  in  good  order  in  the  direction  of  our  camp,  the 
enemy  making  no  advauce  whatever.  In  the  operations  of  this  morn- 
ing, as  well  as  the  day  before,  those  of  my  troops  who  acted  under 
,lhe  immediate  orders  of  Major  General  Cheatham  bore  themselves 
with  conspicuous  gallantry.  One  charge  particulary  was  made  under 
tiie  eye  of  the  commander-in-chief  and  his  staff,  and  drew  forth  exprea- 
fijons  of  the  most  unqualified  applause.  For  the  details  of  these  ope- 
rntions,  as  well  as  for  those  of  the  troops  under  General  Clark,  I  beg 
leave  to  refer  to  the  reports  of  those  generals  herewith  submitted  ; 
elso,  to  those  of  their  brigade,  regimental,  and  battery  commanders. 
The  conduct  of  the  troops  of  my  corps,  both  ofllcers  and  men,  was  of 
the  most  gratifying  character.  Many  of  them  had  never  been  under 
fire  before,  and  one  company  of  artillery,  (that  of  Captain  Stanford,) 
from  the  scarcity  of  ammunition,  had  never  before  heard  the  report  of 
their  own  guns.  Yet  fjom  that  facility  which  distinguishes  our  South- 
ern people,  under  the  inspirition  of  the  cauae  which  animates  them, 
they  fought  with  the  steadiness  and  gallantry  of  well-trained  troops. 
The  fact  that  the  corps  lost  within  a  fraction  of  one-third  of  its  num- 
ber in  killed  and  wounded,  attests  the  nature  of  the  service  in  which 
it  was  engaged. 

To  my  division  commanders,  Major  General  Cheatham  and  Briga- 
dier General  Clark,  1  feel  greatly  indebted  for  their  cordial  co-opera- 
tion and  efficieut  support.  Also;  to  Brigadier  Generals  Stewart  and 
Johnson,  and  Colonels  Russell,  and  Maney,  and  Stephens,  and  Pres- 
ton Smith,  commanders  of  brigades.  My  obligations  are  also  due  to 
my  personal  and  general  staff;  to  Major  George  Williamson,  my 
adjutant  general,  who  had  his  horse  shot  under  him,  and  was  himself 
Wounded;  to  my  inspector  general,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Blake;  to 
my  chief  of  artillery,  Major  Bankhead  ;  to  Captain  Champneys,  my 
chief  of  ordnance,  to  whose  vigilance  and  activity,  in  conjunction 
with  the  energetic  and  vigorous  administration  of -my  chief  of  artil- 
lery, I  am  indebted  for  taking  ofl"  from  the  field  thirteen  of  the  four- 
teen guns  reported  by  the  General  commanding  to  have  been  secured 
by  the  army  from  the  enemy.     To  my  aids-de-camp,  Lieutenant  W' 


19 

B.  Richmond  and  Lieutenant  A,  H.  Polk,  I  am  particularly  indebted 
for  the  promptitude  and  fidelity  with  which  they  performed  the  duties 
of  their  office.  Their  fearless  bearing  was  eminently  conspicuous. 
The  former  had  tAvo  horses  shot  under  him.  I  an  under  obligations 
to  Lieutenants  Spence,  Lanier,  and  Rawle,  who  acted  on  my  staff 
during  the  battle  ;  also,  to  Lieutenant  W,  M.  Porter,  who  acted  as 
volunteer  aid  during  the  operations  of  the  6th  ;  also,  to  my  quarter- 
master. Major  Thomas  Peters,  and  my  medical  director,  Dr.  W.  D. 
Lyle. 

Above  all,  I  feel  I  am  indebted  to  Almighty   God  for  the  courage 
with  which  he  inspired  our  troops,  and  for  the  protection  and  defence 
with  which  he  covered  our  heads  in  the  day  of  battle. 
I  remain,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

L.  POLK,  Major  Genera!, 
Commanding  First  Corps,  Army  of  the  Mississippi,. 


BATTLE   OF   KERNSTOWN. 


REPOllX  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON. 


Headquarters  Second  Corps  A.  N.  V., 
April  11,  1863. 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General^  C.  S.  Army  : 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  herewith  the  reports  of 
brigade  and  other  commanders,  of  the  operations   of  their  troops  in 
the  battle  of  Kernstown,  March  23rd,  1862,  and  respectfully  request 
that  jdu  will  file  them  with  my  report  of  that  battle. 
I  am,  General,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON,       • 
Major  General. 


Headquarters  Second  Corps,  A.  N.  V., 
•  •  April  25,  1863. 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  C.  S.  Army  : 

General  :  Your  letter  informing  me  that  my  official  report  of  the 
battle  of  Kernstown    has  not  been  received,  came  to  hand  yesterday. 
The  original  report  was  forwarded  to  department  headquarters  more 
than  a  year  since. 

I  herewith  forward  a  copy. 

I  am,  General,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON. 


Headquartkr.*  V.allkv  District,      ) 
Near  Mt.  Jackson,  April  9,  18G2.  J 

Major  T.  G.  Rhett,  A.  A.  General: 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
battle  of  Kcrnstown,  A^irginia,  on  Sunday,  the  23rd  of  March,  1862. 

On  the  preceding  Friday  evening,  a  dispatch  was  received  from 
Colonel  Turner  Ashby,  commanding  the  cavalry,  stating  that  the  ene- 
my had  evacuated  Strasburg.  Apprehensive  that  the  Federals  would 
leave  this  military  district,  I  determined  to  follow  them  with  all  my 
available  force.  Ashby,  with  his  cavalry  and  Chew's  batter}'-,  was 
already  in  front,  Colonel  S.  V.  Fulkerson's  brigade,  consisting  of  the 
twenty-third  and  thirty-seventh  regiments  of  Virginia  volunteers,  and 
Shumaker's  battery,  was  near  Woodstock,  Brigadier  General  R  B. 
Garnott's  brigade,  consisting  of  the  second,  fourth,  fifth,  twerity- 
seventh  and  thirty-third  regiments  of  Virginia  volunteers,  and  Mc- 
Laughlin's, Carpenter's  and  Waters'  batteries,  was  near  two  miles 
below  Mt.  Jackson.  Colonel  J.  S.  Burk's  brigade,  consisting  of  the 
twenty-first,  forty-second  and  forty-eighth  regiments  Virginia  volun- 
teers, and  the  first  Virginia  battalion,  P.  A.  C,  S.,  and  Marye's  bat- 
tery, was  near  two  miles  below  Mount  Jackson.  The  three  brigades 
were  ordered  to  march  at  dawn  of  the  following  morning.  All  the 
regiments,  except  the  forty- eighth.  Colonel  John  Campbell's,  which 
•was  the  rear  guard,  arrived  within  a  mile  or  two  of  Kernstown,  by 
two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  the  23rd,  and  directions  were  given  for  bivou- 
acking. 

During  the  march,  information  had  reached  me  from  a  reliable 
source,  that  the  Federals  were  sending  off  their  stores  and  troop^from 
Winchester,  and  after  arriving  near  Kernstown,  I  learned  from  a 
source,  which  had  been  remarkable  for  its  reliability,  that  the  enemy's 
infantry  force  at  Winchester,  did  not  exceed  four  regiments.  A  large 
Federal  force  was  leaving  the  valley,  and  had  already  reached  Castle- 
man's  ferry,  on  the  Shenandoah.  Though  it  was  very  desirable  to 
prevent  the  enemy  from  leaving  the  valley,  yet  I  deemed  it  best  not 
to  attack  until  morning.  But  subsequently,  ascertaining  that  the 
Federals  had  a  position  from  which  our  forces  could  be  seen,  I  con- 
cluded that  it  would  be  dangerous  to  postpone  it  until  the  next  day, 
AS  reinforcements  might  be  brought  up  during  the  night. 

After  ascertaining  that  the  troops,  part  of  which  had  marched  over 
fourteen  miles  since  dawn,  and  Garnett's  and  Burks'  brigades,  which 
iiad  made  a  forced  march  of  near  twenty-five  miles  the  day  previous, 
were  in  good  spirits  at  the  prospect  of  meeting  the  enemy,  I  deter- 
mined to  advance  at  once.  Leaving  Colonel  Ashby  with  his  command 
'On  the  valley  turnpike,  with  Colonel  Burk's  brigade,  as  a  support  to 
the  batteries,  and  also  to  act  as  a  reserve,  I  moved  with  one  piece  of 
Carpenter's  battery  and  Colonel  Fulkerson's  brigade,  supported  by 
General  Garnett's,  to  our  left,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  a  command- 
ing position  on  the  enemy's  right,  and  thus  turning  him  by  that  flank, 


t  23 

force  him  back  fro n  his  strong  position  in  front,  which  prevented  a 
direct  advance. 

Soon  after  Captain  Carpenter  brought  up  his  other  pieces,  also 
McLaughlin's  and  Waters'  batteries  came  forward,  the  eminence  was 
reached,  and  the- three  batt:;rics  under  their  respective  captains,  cora- 
menced  playing  upon  the  enemy,  whose  position  was  now  commanded. 
We  continued  to  advance  our  artillery,  keeping  up  a  continuous  fae 
upon  the  Federals  on  our  right. 

Colonel  John  Echols,  with  his  regiment,  the  twenty-seventh, 
with  its  skirmishers  thrown  forward,  kept  in  advance  and  opened  th<i 
infantry  engagerr.ent,  in  which  it  was  supported  by  the  twenty-first, 
under  Lieutenant  <Jolonel  J.  M  Patton,  as  no  other  regiment  of  Gen- 
eral (Jarnett's  harl  yet  come  up.  Well  did  these  two  regiments  do 
their  duty,  driving  back  the  enemy  twice  in  quick  succession.  Sojq 
a  severe  wound  compelled  the  noble  leader  of  the  twenty-seventh  to 
leave  the  field,  and  the  command  devolved  upon  the  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel, the  dauntless  Grigsb}'.  CIreat  praise  is  due  to  the  officers  and 
men  of  both  regiments.' 

,Colonel  Fulkerson  having  advanced  his  brigade,  consisting  of  th'e 
twenty-third  and  thirtv-sevcnth,  which  were  respectively  under  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  A.  G.  Taliaferro  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  R.  P.  Car- 
son, to  the  left  of  Colonel  Echols,  judiciously  posted  it  behind  a  stone 
wall,  towards  which  the  enemy  were  rapidly  advancing,  and  opened  a 
destructive  fire  which  drove  back  the  northern  forces  in  great  ^lisor- 
der,  after  sustaining  a  heavy  loss,  and  leaving  the  colors  of  one  of 
their  regiments  upon  the  field.    ' 

This  part  of  the  enemy's  routed  troops  having  to  some  extent  ral- 
lied in  another  position,  were  also  diiven  from  this  by  Colonel  Ful- 
kerson.     The  officers  and  men  of  this  brigade  merit  special  mention. 

Soon  after  the  twenty-seventh  had  been  engaged,  General  Garnett, 
with  the  second,  fourth,  aitd  thirty -third  regiments,  commanded  re- 
spectively by  Colonel  J.  W.  Allen,  Lieutenant  Colonel  N.  C.  Ronald, 
and  Colonel  A.  C.  Cummings,  moved  forward  and  joined  in  the  battbi, 
which  now  became  general.  Th<i  first  Virginia  battalion,  P.  A.  C.  S  , 
under  Captain  R.  D.  Bridgford,  though  it  unfortunately  became  sep- 
arated in  advancing,  was  in  the  engigement;  and  from  near  five  to 
half  past  six,  P.  M  ,  there  was  almost  a  continuous  r)ar  of  musketry. 
The  enemy's  repulsed  regiments  were  replaced  by  fresh  ones  from  his 
larii-c  reserve.  As  the  ammunition  of  some  of  our  men  became  e.K- 
hausted,  noble  instances  were  seen  of  our  men  borrowing  from  com- 
rades, by  whose  side  they  continued  to  fight,  as  though  resolved  to  die 
rather  than  give  way.  Lieutenant  Colonel- Ronald,  commanding  the 
fourth  regiment,  having  been  injured  during  the  eirly  part  of  the 
engagement  by  being  thrown  from  his  horse,  the  command  of  the  reg- 
iment devolved  upon  Major  A.  G.  Pendleton.  Though  our  troops 
were  fighting  under  great  disadvantages,  1  regret  that  General  Gar- 
nett should  have  given  the  order  to  fall  back,  as  otherwise  the  enemy's 
advance  would,  at  least,  have  been  retarded,  and  the  remaining  part 
of  my  infantry  reserve  have  had  a  better  opportunity  for  coming  up 
and  taking  part  in  the  engagement,  if  the  enemy  continued  to  press 


24 

forward.  As  General  Garnett  fell  back,  he  was  pursued  by  the  ene- 
my, who,  th'is  tr ruing  Colonel  Fulkorson's  right,  forocl  him  to  f;ill 
back.  Soon  after  tliis,  the  fifth  regiment,  under  Colonel  W.  II.  Ilar- 
ra.an,  came  up,  and  I  directed  it  to  advance  and  support  our  infantry, 
luit  before  it  met  the  enemy,  Gencrsd  Garnett  ordered  it  back,  and 
thus  the  enemy  w<'re  permitted  unrosis^d  to  continue  the  pursuit. 
So  Boon  as  I  saw  Colonel  llarman  filing  iiis  regiment  to  the  rear,  I 
took  stefi?  to  remedy,  as  far  as  practicable,  this  ill-timed  movement, 
by  directing  him  to  occupy  and  hold  the  woods  immediately  in  his 
rear;  and  calling  General  Garnett's  attention  to  the  importance  of 
rallying  his  troops,  he  turned  and  assigned  the  fifth  a  position,  which 
it  held  until  the  arrival  of  C<donel  Burk,  with  the  forty-second,  under 
Li  utenant  Colonel  Langhome.  Colonel  liurk  an<l  his  officers  aL'd 
men  proved  themselves  worthy  cf  the  cau?o  they  were  defending,  by 
the  spirit  with  which  his  regiment  took  and  held  its  position,  until 
its  left  was  turned  by  the  Federals  pressing  upon  the  fifth  as  it'fell 
back. 

Colonel  John  Campbell  was  rapidly  advancing  with  his  regiment  to 
take  part  in  the  struggle,  but  night,  and  an  indisposition  'on  the  part 
of  the  enemy  to  press  further,  had  terminated  the  buttle,  which  had 
commenced  near  four  o'clock,  P.  M,  Leaving  Ashby  in  front,  the 
remainder  of  my  command  fell  back  to  its  wagons,  and  bivouacked 
for  the  night. 

Our  artillery  had  played  its  part  well,  and  though  we  lost  two  pie- 
ces— one  belonging  to  Waters  and  the  other  to  Mc[>aughlin,  the  for- 
mer from  having  upset  when  hard  pressed  by  the  enemy,  and  the  latter 
from  having  its  horses  killed  when  on  the  eve  of  leaving  the  field  it 
had  so  well  swept  with  grape,  as  to  have  driven  back  the  enemy  from 
a  part  of  it,  over  which  he  was  pressing  near  the  close  of  the  battle. 

During  the  engagement,  Colonel  vVshby  with  a  portion  of  his  com- 
mand, including  Chew's  battery,  which  rendered  valuable  service,  re- 
mained on  our  right,  anrl  not  only  protected  our  rear  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Valley  turnpike,  but  also  served  to  threaten  the  enemy's  front 
and  ieft.  Colonel  Ashby  fully  sustained  his  deservedly  high  reputa- 
tion by  the  able  manner  in  which  he  discharged  the  important  trust 
committed  to  him. 

Owing  to  our  infantry  having  man-bed  between  thirty-five  an^l 
forty  miles  since  tlie  morning  of  the  previous  day,  many  were  left  be- 
hind. Onr  number  present  on  the  evening  of  the  battle  was,  of  in- 
fantry, three  thousand  and  eighty-seven,  of  which  two  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  forty-two  were  engaged  ;  twenty-seven  pieces  of  artil- 
lery, of  which  eighteen  were  engaged. 

Owing  to  the  recently'  heavy  cavalry  duties,  and  extent  of  country 
to  be  picketed,  only  two  hundred  and  ninety  of  this  arm  were  present' 
to  take  part  in  the  engagement.  '  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  the 
Federal  infantry  on  the  field  numbered  over  eleven  thousand,  of  which 
probably  over  eight  thousand  were  engaged.  It  may  be  that  our  ar- 
tillery engaged  tquajied  that  of  the  enemy,  and  that  their  cavalry 
exceeded  ours  in  number. 

Our  loss  was  :  Killed,  six  officers,  twelve  non-commissioned  officers, 


25 

and  sixty-two  privates  ;  wounded,  twenty-seven  officers,  fifty-three 
non-commipsioned  officers,  and  two  hundred  and  sixty-two  privates — 
of  which  number  some  seventy  were  left  on  the  field;  missing,  thir- 
teen officers,  twenty-one  non-commissioned  officers,  and  two  hundred 
and  thirty  five  privates.  Nearly  all  of  the  missing  were  captured. 
A  few  days  after  the  battle  a  Federal  officer  stated  that  their  loss  in 
killed  was  four  hundred  and  eighteen.  Their  wounded,  upon  the  sup- 
position that  it  bears  the  same  proportion  to  their  killed  as  ours,  must 
be  such  as  to  make  their  loss  more  than  three  times  that  of  ours. 

Our  wounded  received  that  care  and  attention  from  the  patriotic 
ladies  of  Winchester  which  they  know  so  well,  how  to  give,  and 
our  killed  were  buried  by  the  loyd  citizens  of  the  town.  The  hospi- 
talities of  Baltimoreans  relieved  the  wants  of  the  captured.  For 
these  acts  of  kindness  on  both  sides  of  the  Potomac,  I  am  under  last- 
ins  oblifjations. 

The  officers  and  men  in  the  various  regiments  and  batteries  deserve 
great  praise.  In  consequence  of  Major  F.  B.  Jones,  second  regiment 
Virginia  volunteers,  being  familiar  with  thfe  country,  he  was  detached 
from  his  regiment,  and  acted  as  a  staff  officer  during  the  engagement ; 
and  from  his  familiarity  with  the  country,  added  to -his  zeal  and  dar- 
ing, rendered  very  valuable  service. 

Dr.  Hunter  McGuire,  medical  director,  discharged  his  duties  in  a 
manner  which  proved  him  admirably  qualified  tor  his  position. 

Major  J.  A.  llarraan,  chief  quartermaster,  ably  discharged  his  du- 
ties. Major  W.  J.  Hawks,  chief  commissary,  with  his  usual  fore- 
sight, had  the  wants  of  his  department  well  supplied.  First  Lieuten- 
ant G.  G.  Jenkin,  A.  D.  C.  and  A.  A.  A.  G.,  faithfully  and  efficiently 
devoted  himself  to  his  duties,  until  near  the  close  of  the  engagement, 
when,  I  regret  to  say,  he  was  captured  by  the  enemy.  First  Lieu- 
tenant A.  S.  Pendleton,  A.  D.  C,  who  is  an  officer  eminently  quali- 
fied for  his  duties,  discharged  them  in  a  highly  satisfactory  manner. 
First  Lieutenant  J.  K.  Boswell,  chief  engineer,  rendered  valuable 
service. 

Though  Winchester  Avas  not  recovered,  yet  the  more  important  ob- 
ject, for  the  present — that  of  calling  back,  troops  that  were  leaving 
the  Valley,  and  thus  preventing  a  junction  of  Banks'  command  with 
other  forces — was  accomplished,  in  addition  to  his  heavy  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded.  LTnder  these  circumstances,  I  feel  justified  in  saying 
that,  though  the  field  is  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  yet  the  most 
essential  fruits  of  the  battle  are  ours. 

I  am,  Major,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON, 

Major  General. 
Official  copy  : 

A.  S.  Pendleton,  A.  A.  G. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  BURK. 

Headquarters  Third  Brigade,      ^ 
Camp  near  Woodstock,  Virginia,  \ 
March  27,  1862.       ) 
Captain  A.  S.  Pendleton,  A.  A.  A.  G.,  V.  D.  : 

Shi  :  In  obedience  to  an  order  from  Major  General  T.  J.  Jackson, 
I  bc;^  leave  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  borne  by  the 
third  brigade,  io  the  action  of  the  23d  March,  near  Winchester,  Vir- 
ginia: 

My  brigade  was  marching  in  rear  of  Major  General  Jaokson'a 
forces,  and,  on  arriving'  near  the  field  of  battle,  were  halted  by  his 
order,  and  I  was  ordered  to  take  position  in  a  field  on  our  right  wing, 
and  was  ordered  to  hold  my  brigade  as  a  reserve  supporting  the  batte- 
ries stationed  there,  together  with  my  battery  which  came  up  with  my 
brigade.  I  was  also  ordered  to  check  any  advance  of  the  enemy  on  our 
right  wing.  The  enemy  threatened  our  right  flank,  but  did  not  advance. 
Soon  after  the  attack  was  made  on  the  enemy's  right  wing,  I  was  ordered 
to  send  forward  Capt.  McLaughlin's  battery,  supported  by  a  regiment. 
I  obeyed  the  order,  sending  the  twenty-first  Virginia  regiment,  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Patton.  Near  the  same  time  I  re- 
ceived an  order  to  send  Captain  Carpenter's  battery  forward,  which  I 
did,  supported  by  the  first  Virginia  btttalion,  under  command  of  Cap- 
tain Bridgford.  Still  liter  in  the  afcernoon  I  was  ordered  to  bring 
up  the  balance  of  my  brigade.  I  immediately  ordered  forward  my 
battery,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Pleasants,  supported  by  the 
forty-second  Virginia  regiment,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel Langhorne.  At  the  same  time,  I  sent  an  or'ler  to  Colonel  Camp- 
bell, commanding  forty-eighth  Virginia  regiment,  to  bring  forward, 
his  regiment,  which  had  been  left  several  miles  in  our  rear  to  protect 
our  baggage,  (that  duty  being  performed  by  tlie  different  regiments  in 
turn.)  This  regiment  (although  obeying  the  order  promptly)  did  not 
arrive  until  after  the  battle  was  over  The  battery  and  forty-second 
regi'ucnt  moved  rapidly  to  the  scene  of  action,  and,  on  arriving,  the 
regiment  was  ordered  to  form  on  the  right  of  the  fifth  Virginia,  which- 
they  did  promptly.  The  battery  was  then  ordered  to  retire  by  a  spe-r 
cial  order  of  Major  General  Jackson,  which  they  did  in  good  order. 
The  forty-second  Virginia,  in  conjunction  with  the  fifth  Virginia, 
opened  a  terrific  fire  upon  the  enemy,  causing  them  to  recoil.  The  forty- 
second  regiment,  officers  and  men,  acted  bravely,  not  one  retiring  un- 
til finding  we  were  flanked.  It  being  nearly  dark,  I  gave  the  order 
to  retire  They  retired  some  four  hundred  yards,  when  they  Avere 
halted  and  formed  by  their  commandant.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lang- 
horne. It  would  be  invidious  to  make  distinction,  as  every  officer 
and  private,  from  the  Lieutenant  Colonel  down,  did  their- whole  duty. 
I  deem  it  but  justice  to  state,  that  the  forty-second  regiment  was  the 
last  to  leave  the  field  of  battle.  The  twenty-first  Virginia,  under 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Patton,  and  the  first  Virginia  battalion,  under 


Captain  Bridgford,  being  detached  from  the  brigade,  and  not  coming 
under  my  notice,  I  refer  to  the  reports  made  by  their  commanders  ;  and 
I  have  been  informed  that  all  officers  and  men  discharged  their  duty 
faithfully.  Below  you  will  find  a  statement  of  the  casualties  of  the 
different  regiments  engaged.  The  number  of  killed,  wounded  and  miss- 
ing in  the  forty-second  Virginia  regiment  is  seventy  ;  two  commis- 
sioned officers  killed,  and  five  wounded;  two  non-commissioned 
officers  killed,  and  eleven  Avounded  ;  three  wounded  and  left  on  the 
field,  and  two  missing  ;  seven  privates  killed,  and  twenty- six  wounded, 
five  left  on  the  field  Avounded,  and  seven  missins,  makinnr  a  total  of 
seventy. 

The  summarj  of  casualties  in  the  twenty-first  Virginia  regiment  is 
three  commissioned  officers  wounded;  one  commissioned  officer  wounded 
and  missing;  one  non-commissioned  officer  Jiilled  ;  ten  non-commis- 
sioned officers  wounded;  six  privates  killed  ;  thirty  privates  wounded, 
and  nine  missing,  making  in  all  sixty  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

The  summary  of  casualties  in  the  first  Virginia  •battalion  is  six 
killed,  twenty  wounded,  and  twenty-one  missing,  making  in  all  forty- 
seven.  The  killed,  wounded  and  missing  of  this  brigade  amount  to 
6ne  hundred  and  seventy-seven  men. 

.  Lieutenant  llobert  C.  Noonan,  of  Frederick  county,  Maryland,  was 
killed  while  acting  as  a  volunteer  Lieutenant  in  company  B,  twenty- 
first  Virginia  regiment.  Captain  R.  N,  Wilson,  my  Assistant  Adjutant 
General,  acted  as  my  aid  during  the  fight,  and-  discharged  his  duty 
faithfully.  For  particulars  of  the  names  of  parties  killed,  wounded  and 
missing,  I  refer  to  the  accompanying  reports  of  the  commandants  of 
regiments  and  the  battalion 

Very  respectfully, 

JESSE  S    BURK, 
Colonel  commanding  third  brigade. 
Official : 

R.  M.  AV1L.SON,  A    A.  General.  ^ 

P.  S. — For  the  information  of  the  Major  General  commanding,  I 
will  state  that  very  few  of  the  wounded  men  are  mortally  wounded, 
and  the  most  of  them  will  be  fit  for  duty  in  a  short  time. 

J.  S.  B. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  PATTON. 

Camp  near  Mount  Jackson,  ) 
March  26,  1862.      J 

Colonel  Jesse  Burk, 

Commanding  third  Brigade  : 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  orders,  from  headquarters,  I  beg  leave  to 
transmit  the  following  report  of  the  part  borne  by  the  twenty-first 
regiment  Virginia  volunteers  in  the  battle  near  Winchester,  on  the 
23d  instant : 

On  reaching  the  field  of  battle,  we  were  ordered  by  you  to  support 
the  Rockbrilge  artillery,  commanded  by  Captain  McLaughlin,  and,  in 
company  with  that  battery,  were  shortly  afterwards  ordered  into  po- 
sition. In  marching  to  this  position,  the  force  was  exposed  for  a  con- 
siderable time,  in  an  open  field,  to  a  reverse  fire  from  the  enemy's 
artillery,  as  also  afterwards,  when  under  cover  of  a  hill  in  rear  of 
the  battery.  The  enemy's  guns  were  admirably  served  ;  their  shelly 
burst,  in  many  instances,  at  close  quarters,  but  fortunately  with  no 
loss  to  the  regiment,  except  one  man  slightly-  w^ounded,  and  another* 
stunned  for  a  moment. 

McLaughlin's  battery  was  admirably  posted  on  a  height  equally 
commanding  with  that  of  the  enemy's,  and  m}^  regiment  remained  im- 
mediately in  their  rear  and  in  supporting  distance,  during  the  spaco 
of  two  hours  or  more,  while  the  artillery  fight  was  progressing. 

Colonel  Echols'  regiment,  was  on  the  left  of  our  position,  and  was 
about  this  time  suddenly  attacked  by  an  overwhelming  force  of  the 
enemy's  infantry.  As  soon  as  the  musketry  was  heard,  the  Major 
General  commanding,  who  was  near  us  at  the  time,  ordered  me  to  form 
line  of  battle  in  the  direction  of  the  fire,  and  support  Colonel  Echols 
incase  he  was  driven  back.  This  occurred  very  soon.  I  threw  the  regi- 
ment forward  iuto  line  on  first  company.  The  movement  was  well  and 
promptly  performed,  jet  so  quick  were  the  movements  of  the  enemy, 
that  the  regiment  received  a  volley  from  them  before  it  was  finished.  I 
immediately  ordered  the  fire  to  be  returned,  and  from  this  time  forth  the 
rattle  of  musketry  was  incessant.  Meantime,  a  huge  portion  of  Col- 
onel Echols'  regiment  rallied  on  our  left  flank,  and  this  small  force, 
for  a  considerable  time,  held  back  "an  overwhelming  force  of  the  en- 
emy. The  enemy  were  twice  driven  back,  and  were  substituted  by 
fresh  troops.  By  this  time,  the  ammunition  of  the  regiment  was 
nearly  exhausted,  and  the  front  was  becoming  thin  by  the  retirement 
of  those  whose  cartridges  were  out,  and  by  the  loss  of  killed  and 
wounded.  Those  who  fell  back  were  ordered  to  rally  behind  a  rein- 
forcing regiment,  which  by  this  time  had  gotten  up,  and  was  formed 
in  line  about  fifty  yards  in  our  rear.  It  was  advanced  and  took  the 
place  of  our  regiment.  At  or  about  this  time  a  regiment  of  the  en- 
emy appeared  on  our  right  flank,  and  advanced  within  about  fifty  to 
seventy  yards. 


29 

With  the  assistance  of  various  ofBcers,  among  whom  Captain  F.  D. 
Irving,  company  D,  and  sergeant  major  Page,  were  conspicuous,  we 
rallied  all  of  the  regiment  whom  we  could  find  with  ammunition, 
and  posted  them  along  a  fence,  by  which  we  flanked,  in  part,  the 
flanking  enemy.  From  this  point,  in  co-operaticn  with  the  skirmish- 
ers from  the  main  body,  a  galling  fire  was  kept  up  upon  the  enemy. 
They,  in  their  turn,  were  broken,  and  retired.  They  did  not  again 
appear^  but  were  immediately  sub.stituted  by  a  fresh  regiment,  who  in 
co-operation  with  those  in  our  front,  made  a  galling  cross  fire  on  our 
troops.  The  day  was  pretty  wqII  spent,  when  an  aid  of  the  General 
commanding,  ordered  me  to  retire  with  the  regiment. 

The  regiment  went  into  the  battle  with  twenty-two  commissioned 
officers,  forty-three  non-commissioned  ofl[icers,  and  two  hundred  and 
five  privates.  Out  of  thia  number,  their  loss  was  sixty  in  killed, 
•wounded  and  missing,  of  whom  nine  are  missing,  and  may  or  may  not 
be  wounded.  Paper  A,  herewith  presented,  contains  a  detailed  ac- 
count of  these  losses. 

The  regiment  made  a  most  gallant  stand  at  the  close  of  two  days' 
forced  marching  ;  though  foot  sore  and  weary,  their  hearts  were  firm, 
and  they  did  great  execution  on  the  enemy. 

The  want  of  commissioned  oflBcers  was  seriously  felt.  Many  Lieu- 
tenants and  eight  Captains  were  absent.  Almost  all  the  latter,  and 
some  of  the  former,  had  been  sent  home,  in  obedience  to  general  or- 
ders, on  recruiting  service. 

It  would  be  invidious,  perhaps,  to  make  mention  of  individual  in- 
stances of  gallantry,  which  came  under  my  observation.  There  were 
many  such,  both  among  the  commissioned  and  non-commissioned  offi- 
cers and  privates,  and  doubtless  many  occurred  which  I  did  not  see, 
I  therefore  report  merely,  that  the  officers  and  men  generally,  be- 
haved well  and  did  their  duty,  I  cannot  close  this  report,  however, 
■without  mentioning  Lieutenant  Robert  C.  Noonan,  of  Frederick  city, 
Maryland,  lately  appointed,  as  I  understand,  a  Lieutenant  of  artil- 
lery in  the  Confederate  army.  While  awaiting  his  appointment,  he 
attached  himself  as  a  volunteer  Lieutenant  to  company  B,  of  this  re- 
giment, and  fell  while  gallantly  doing  his  duty. 

Great  credit  is  due  to  Dr.  R.  T.  Coleman,  surireon  of  the  regiment, 
for  the  energy  and  foresight  by  which  he  was  enabled  to  bring  from 
the  field  almost  all  of  our  wounded.  We  are  also  indebted  to  both 
field  officers,  cavalry  and  artillerymen,  for  bringing  some  of  them 
away  on  their  horses. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

JOHN  M.  PATTON,  Jr., 

Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding. 
Official : 

William  H.  Morgan, 

Adjutant  twenty-first  regiment  Va.  volunteers. 


REPORT  OF    MAJOR  BRIDGFORD. 

IIkadquartf.rs  First  Va.    Bvttai.ion,  P.  A.  C.  S,  ^ 
Bivouac  near  Woodstock,  Shenandoah,  Co.  Va.,  \ 

March  2G.  1862.       ) 

To  Captain  R.  S,  Wilson,  A.  yl.  General,  ^c.  ; 

Sir:  In  obe<lience  to  an  order  received  from  Colonel  Jesse  S. 
Burkj  commanding  the  third  briga(5e,  1  have  the  honor  to  transmit 
to  you,  for  his  information,  a  report  of  the  operations  of  the  first 
Virginia  battalion,  P.  A.  C.  S.,  under  my  command,  on  the  23d  inst,, 
after  it  was  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  brigade. 

At  three  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  battalion  was  or<lered  to  sup- 
port Captain  Carpenter's  battery  of  artillery,  and  accordingly  fol- 
lowed that  battery  from  the  position  then  occupied  by  the  brigade,  to 
a  point  at  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  left  and  front.  Ilere  the 
battery  halted,  and  opened  fire  upon  a  battery  of  the  enemy  directly 
in  front  of  it,  which  also  maintained  quite  a  rapid  fire  of  shot  and 
shell.  The  firing  was  kept  up  on  both  sides  about  an  hour.  Many 
shtdls  exploded  to  the  rear  and  on  the  flanks  of  the  battalion-,  but  none 
of  them  did  any  injury.  At  half  past  four  o'clock,  the  battalion 
proceeded,  by  order  of  Major  Pendleton,  about  half  a  mile  to  the  left 
and  front,  acro?s  an  open  fiel'd,  to  a  hollow  i»  rear  of  the  position 
occupied  by  McLaughlin's  battery  of  artillery,  for  the  purpose,  as 
Major  Pendleton  stated,  of  reporting  to  Colonel  Burk.  Here  we 
fjund  two  or  more  other  regiments'.  The  firing  of  shot  and  shell  con- 
tinued, and  many  of  the  enemy's  shell  burst  near  us,  but  v,-ithout 
effect.  About  five  o'clock,  we  heard  a  discharge  of  musketry  a  short 
distance  in  front  of  us.  I  sent  Lieutenant  Oscar  White,  acting  ad- 
jutant of  the  battalion,  to  report  to  Colonel  Burk  for  orders.  lie 
was  unable  to  find  Colonel  Burk,  but  reported  to  General  Jackson, 
who  sent  orders  to  me  to  carry  the  battalion  into  action  ;  as  the  bat- 
talion was  advancing  we  met  General  Garnett,  who  ordered  us  to 
move  forward  into  po.sition.  We  proceeded  accordingly,  over  two  or 
three  wooded  ridges,  to  the  point  at  which  the  firing  of  musketry , 
occurretl.  Several  other  corps  advanced  to  the  same  point  along  with 
us.  The  firing  of  musketry  continued.  As  we  were  advancing  in 
line-of-biittle,  and  had  approached-  very  near  the  crest  of  a  hill,  occu- 
pied by  our  line.  Second  Lieutenant  Overton,  of  company  A,  inform- 
ed me  that  General  Garnett  had  ordered  the  battalion  to  be  marched 
to  a  position  nearer  the  left  of  our  line.  But  there  is  some  doubt 
whether  the  order  was  given  by  General  Garnett  or  Colonel  Grigsby. 
I  ordered  the  battalion  to  march  to  the  left,  but  before  I  gave  this 
command,  the  extreme  left  of  the  battalion  had  commenced  that  move- 
ment, under  the  order  of  a  field  oflBcer,  believed  to  be  either  General 
Garnett  or  Colonel  Grigsby,  who  addressed  the  order  directly  to  the 
men,  and  not  through  the  medium  of  the  officers.  Owing  to  this  fact, 
the  left  wing  of  the  battalion  and  a  part  of  the  right  wing  was  sepa- 


31 

rated  from  the  remainder  of  the  battalion,  and  some  confusion  ensued  ; 
and  a  part  of  the  right  wing  of  the  battalion,  comprising  Captain 
Thom's  company  C,  and  a  part  of  Captain  Jones  company  E,  not 
hearing  the  order,  proceeded  to  the  right,  whilst  the  rest  of  the  bat- 
talion marched  to  the  left.  After  this  'Reparation,  I  saw  no  more  of 
Captain  Thom  and  Captain  Jones,  and  the  men  under  their  command 
during  the  action.  The  rest  of  the  battalion  was  assigned  a  position 
in  an  open  field  just  behind  the  crest  of  the  ridge  occupied  by  our 
line,  and  next  the  regiment  on  the  extreme  left  of  our  line,  believed 
to  be  Colonel  Echols'.  This  position  was  directly  opposite  the  ene- 
my's line,  at  a  range  of  not  more  than  twenty  yards. 

We  immediately  took  part  in  the  action.  The  firing  was  general 
and  continuous  aJong  both  lines.  The  ground  ^we  occupied  was  soon 
dotted  with  dead  and  wounded  men.  The  fire  of  the  enemy  was  ex- 
ceedingly severe.  The  colors  of  the  battalion  were  planted  on  the 
crest  of  the  ridge  by  Color-Sergeaiit  Kinney,  under  the  guidance  of 
Captain  Leigh,  of  company  A.  This  officer  acted  with  the  most  con- 
spicuous gallantry  during  the  whole  of  the  action.  He  tock  a  most 
exposed  position  by  the  side  of  the  colors  and  never  left  it,  except  to 
bring  up  his  men  to  the  crest  of  the  ridge,  and  point  out  to  them 
where  to  aim  their  fire.  He  was  perfecily  cool  and  collected,  and 
encour.-iged  his  men  to  fight  bravely  and  effectively,  by  example  and 
direction.  Shortly  after  the  firing  commenced  on  our  part.  Second 
Lieutenant  John  Heth,  commanding  company  D,  fell  near  the  colors, 
pierced  by  a  ball  through  the  body,  whilst  gallantly  directing  the  fire 
of  hisujen..  First  Lieutenant  John  A.  Turner,  commanding  company 
B,  who  insisted  upon  taking  part  in  the  operations  of  the  day,  not- 
withstanding the  lact  that  he  was  quite  ill  and  feeble,  behaved  in  an 
exceedingly  gallant  mann(?r.  Second  Lieutenant  Overton,  of  company 
A,  behaved  with  great  gallantry,  exerting  himself  to  make  the  men 
move  forward  to  the  crest  of  the  ridge,  and  deliver  their  fire  effec- 
tively. Second  Lieutenant  Coltram  attracted  my  attention  by  similar 
conduct.  Acting  Sergeant  Major  Duggan  fell  in  advance  of  the 
colors,  with  a  ghastly  wound  in  his  face,  whilst  in  the  act  of  taking 
aim  at  the  enemy.  The  men,  especially  the  non-commissioned  offi- 
cers, acted  with  great  courage.  The  action  continued  with  undimin- 
ished fury  until  half-past  six  o'clock,  when  I  received  orders  to  fall 
back,  fighting  as  skirmishers.  Before  this  order  was  received,  the 
whole  line  to  our  right,  as  far  as  I  could  perceive,  were  falling  back 
in  great  confusion.  The  retreat  became  general.  After  passing  over 
the  ridge  next  behind  us,  an  attempt  was  made  by  Captain  Thom  and 
Leigh  and  Lieutenants  Coltram  and  Overton,  and  perhaps  others,  to 
rally  the  men,  and  partially  succeeded.  But  the  enemy  advancing 
and  pouring  a  heavy  fire  upon  us,  and  the  crowd  of  fugitives  rushing 
by  us,  the  attempt  proved  ineffectual,  and  the  movement  became  a 
general  and  complete  rout. 

The  fugitives  were  threatened  on  their  right  by  a  detachment  of  tho 
enemy's  cavalry;  and  many  of  them  would  have  been  captured  but 
for  the  interposition  of  a  company  of  our  cavalry,  commanded,  as  I 
have  been  informed,  by  Captain  Sheets.      Officers  and  men  pursued 


S3 

their  course  either  singly  or  in  squads.  Night  soon  came  on.  Mi\ny 
of  the  officers  and  men  of  the  battalion  gathered  together  at  a  bivouac 
at  a  point  on  the  Strasburg  road,  eleven  miles  from  Winchester  and 
about  six  miles  from  the  battle  ground,  where  we  found  our  wagons. 
Here  the  battalion  was  reorganized  and  resumed  its  place  in  the 
brigade. 

In  respect  to  that  part  of  the  right  wing  of  the  battalion  which,  as 
I  have  stated,  was  separated  from  the  main  body,  I  learn  from  Cap- 
tain Thorn,  of  company  C,  that,  at  the  time  of  that  separation,  he 
proceeded  with  the  men  under  his  commaml,  to  the  right,  in  pursuance 
,cf  an  order  to  that  effect  from  General  Garnett,  and  took  a  position 
in  line;  that  the  firing  on  both  sides  was  exceedingly  hot ;  that  the 
enemy's  line  in  front  of  tbat  portion  of  our  line  was  twice  broken  ; 
that  soon  after  reaching  that  position  he  received  a  ball  against  his 
left  breast,  which  was  prevented  from  penetrating  his  body  by  a  small 
copy  of  the  new  testament  in  a  pocket  of  his  shirt,  and  one  through 
the  fleshy  part  of  the  palm  of  his  right  hand,  and  fell;  that  he  then 
gave  orders  to  Lieutenant  Randolph  to  go  forward  with  the  company ; 
and  that  the  men  under  his  command  did  not  fall  back  till  the  line  was 
entirely  broken.  Captain  Thom  adds  that  Lieutenant  Randolph  be- 
haved in  a  most  gallant  manner,  as  did,  also.  Second  Lieutenant  How- 
ard. I  learn  from  Lieutenant  Randolph  and  others,  that  shortly  after 
the  firing  commenced.  Captain  Jones  was  seen  to  get  up  upon  a  stump, 
and  wave  his  sword,  cheering  his  men  forward,  and  then  fall  head- 
long to  the  earth. 

Captain  Jones'  fate  is  not  yet  ascertained.  He  was  left  upon  the 
field,  and  I  trust  that  he  still  lives.  But  if  he  has  fallen,  he  ha«  died 
a  glorious  death,  sword  in  hand. 

Second  Lieutenant  Hcth  was  carried  ofl*tiu;  fit-M  and  loft  at  a  farr.a 
house  in  the  vicinity.  I  fear  that  there  is  little  reason  to  hope  that 
he  will  survive  his  wound.  I  cannot  close  this  report  without  making 
honorable  mention  of  the  active  and  efficient  service  rendered  during 
the  day  by  Lieutenant  White,  acting  adjutant  of  the  battalion. 

I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  you,  along  with  this  report,  for  the 
information  of  Colonel  Burk,  a  detailed  statement  of  our  loss.  It 
■will  be  perceived  that  our  battalion  went  into  action  with  eleven  com- 
missioned officers,  seventeen  non-commissioned  officers,  and  one' hun- 
dred and  fifty-nine  privates.  Of  these,  six  were  killed,  twenty 
wounded,  and  twenty-one  are  missing.  Making  lorty- seven  in  all. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

D.  B.  BRIDGFORD, 
Capt.  comd'g  first  Va.  Bait.  P.  A.  C.  S. 
Official : 

Oscar  White,  First  Lieutenant,  Acting  Adjutant. 


RErORT  OF  CAPTAIN   NADENBOUSCII. 

C.iM?  jvXAU  Barboursville,  March  23,  18G3. 

Colonel  J.  W.  Allen, 

Commanding  sfccnd  regiment   Virginia  volunteers : 

Colonel  :  Companies  D,  II.  and  I,  of  your  regiment,  and  company 
II,  twenty-scventk  regiment  Virginia  volunteers,  were  ordered  for- 
ward at  dawn,  on  the  23d  instant,  to  support  Colonel  Ashby'a  com- 
mand. They  moved  forward  without,  breakfast.  Near  Kernstown, 
after  ascertainiug  the  position  of  the  enemy,  wo  wore  ordered  forward 
to  protect  the  battery  from  a  line  of  skirmishers,  which  were  concealed 
in  the  woods  near  by.  Cotapany  II,  under  Captain  Hunter,  and 
company  I,  under  Captain  S.  J.  C.  Moore,  were  at  once  thrown  for- 
ward as  skirmishers.  The  line  was  without  delay  moved  forward  into 
the  edge  of  the  woods.  Upon  arriving  at  this  point,  the 
line  of  the  enemy  was  observed  at  a  distance  of  about  one  hundred 
yards.  I  at  once  ordered  the  men  to  fire  on  them,  which  was  promptly 
obej'ed.  We  continued  to  advance,  firing,  when  the  enemy  retired, 
or  fled  rapidly,  but  were  soon  heavily  reinforced.  Seeing  this,  I  at 
once  ordered  forward  the  reserve,  (Company  D,  Lieutenant  Hoffman, 
and  company  H,  twenty-seventh  Virginia  regiment,  under  Captain 
Edmondson.)  These  companies  at  once  moved  forward  and  reinforced 
our  line,  which  kept  up  a  brisk  fire,  doing  gre.1t  execution.  Col.  Ashby 
seeing  heavy  columns  of  the  enemy  in  the  rear  in  the  woods,  ordered 
us  to  fall  back,  which  order  was  obeyed,  and  the  command  fell  back 
to  the  road. 

In  this  skirmish  the  following  casualties  and  losses  were  sustained : 
Company  D,  two  men  wounded  and  brought  off  the  field  ;  company  II, 
second  regiment,  Lieut  Linke  wounded  and  left  on  the  field,  (ov.ing  to 
having  been  thrown  and  the  horse  ran  off,)  and  three  men  brought  off; 
company  I,  Sergeant  Shepherd,  Sergeant  N.  0.  Soraers,  and  private 
Roy  wounded  and  left  on  the  field,  two  of  which  were  wounded  in 
their  efforts  to  carry  off  their  wounded  ;  Corporal  Shepherd,  wounded 
and  brought  off  the  field;  company  TI,  twenty-seventh  regiment,  one 
man  wounded  and  brought  off  the  field. 

The  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  in  this  skirmish  was  highly 
commendable  The  ofiicers  behaved  gallantly  in  encouraging  and 
leading  forward  their  men.  The  men,  with  loud  shouts,  moved  for- 
ward like  heroes  that  knew  no  fear,  until  the  word  to  fall  back  was 
given.  Before  the  men  had  recovered  their  exhaustion  from  this 
skirmish  we  were  ordered  to  join  our  respective  regiments  for  the  gen- 
eral engagement,  which  order  was  obeyed,  but  with  rather  thin  ranks, 
after  which  their  conduct  and  operations  were  under  your  eye. 
With  great  respect,  I  remain,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.-Q.  A.  NADENBOUSCH, 
3  Captain  commanding  detachment  under  Colonel  Ashby. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  FUNSTEN. 

Camp  near  IIawkinstown,  April  7th,  1862, 

Colonel  Turner  Ashby  : 

Colonel  :  I  make  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of  the 
left  ^ving  of  the  regiment  of  cavalry  comuK^nded  by  you  in  the  battle 
near  Kernstown,  on  the  2od  ultimo: 

My  delay  in  making  a  report  has  been  occasioned  by  not  receiving 
at  an  earlier  date  the  reports  of  Captains  Sheets  and  Baylor. 

On  the  morning  of  the  23d,  nothing  of  much  importance  occurred 
until  after  the  arrival  of  General  Jackson's  advance,  when  I  was 
ordered  to  send  two  companies  from  the  left  to  the  right  wing.  About 
four  o'clock  General  Jackson  having  directed  me  to  hold  my  command 
in  readiness  to  make  a  charge  in  tie  event  that  the  enemy  were  driven 
back,  and  my  force  amounting  to  only  about  seventy  men,  imclusive  of 
pickets,  I  sent  a  messenger  to  request  you  to  send  me  two  companies 
if  you  could  spare  them  them  from  the  right.  Captains  Sheets  and 
Turner's  companies  were  sent  and  took  position  on  the  extreme  left. 
Soon  after  the  infantry  fight  commenced.  About  six  o'clock,  when 
the  fortunes  of  the  day  seemed  to  be  turning  against  us,  General  Jack- 
son directed  me  to  take  a  certain  position  in  our  rear,  in  the  event  of 
our  troops  falling  back,  atid  to  charge  the  enemy  as  they  advanced  in 
that  direction,  stating,  at  the  same  time,  that  I  would  be  supported  by 
artillery.  1  immediately  ordered  Captain  Sheets  and  Turner's  com- 
panies to  report  to  me  after  leaving  a  strong  picket  on  the  extreme 
left.  The  position  which  was  occupied  by  the  picket,  is  a  high  ridge, 
about  eight  hundred  yards  trom  the  battle  ground  and  commands  a 
view  of  the  Cedar  creek  and  Opequan  turnpike,  on  the  west,  distant 
about  a  mile  from  the  battle  ground  and  of  the  intervening  valley  on 
the  east.  In  addition  to  this,  I  directed  Captain  Baylor  to  take 
twenty  men  and  watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy  between  the 
pickets  and  our  left.  In  the  course  of  twenty  minutes  after  these 
orders  were  given,  our  troops  felFback,  and  Itook  the  position  desig- 
nated by  General  Jackson,  having  been  joined  by  Captains  Sheets 
and  Turner's  companies  as  we  fell  back.  I  remained  in  this  position 
until  all  the  troops  who  retreated  in  that  direction  had  passed,  and  it 
became  evident  that  the  enemy  would  not  pursue  them  through  the 
open  land  in  our  front,  and  until  the  enemy,  who  advanced  through 
the  woods,  were  a  short  distance  from  our  right.  I  then  ordered  my 
command  to  fall  back  to  a  ridge  about  two  hundred  yards  to  our  left 
and  rear.  On  arriving  there,  I  was  informed,  to  my  surprise,  that 
the  enemy's  cavalry  were  on  our  left.  I  believed  that  I  had  used 
every  precaution  to  receive  timely  information  of  their  advance  on 
our  left,  having  placed  more  than  one-fourth  of  my  command  to  watch 
them  on  that  flank.  I  have  called  upon  Captains  Sheetz  and  Baylor 
to  report  why  it  was  that  this  information  was  not  communicated  to 
me  as  soon  as  the   enemy   appeared,  and   I   herewith   enclose  their 


35 

reports.  I  immediately,  on  hearing  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  ordered 
a  charge  and  they  were  driven  back.  "VVe  remained  near  this  posi- 
tion, about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  the  rear  and  to  the  left  cf  the 
battle-ground,  until  about  eight  o'clock,  covering  the  retreat  of  a  large 
number  of  scattered  infantry,  and  then  marched  to  Newtown,  where 
we  arrived  about  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.  The  number  of  cavalry  under 
my  command,  after  the  companies  of  Captain  Sheets  and  Turner  had 
been  added  to  it,  was  between  one  hundred  and  thirty  and  one  hun- 
dred and  forty,  of  vihom,  between  thirty  and  forty  were  on  picket 
duty  on  our  left. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

0.  R.  FUNSTEN, 
Major  of  Ashhy''s  regiment  of  cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  LANGHORNE. 

Headq'rs  Forty-second  VfRciNiA  Regiment  Volunteers. 

To  Colonel  J.  S.  BuRK, 

Commanding  Third  Bngndc : 

Sir  :  I  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  borno 
by  the  forty-second  regiment  in  the  engagement  of  the  23rd,  near 
Winchester.  The  regiment  had  been  held  in  reserve  until  lute  in  the 
day,  when  it  was  Ordered  to  the  scene  of  action.  They  marched  by 
Hank  (right  in  front)  very  rapidly,  nearly  the  whole  way  in  double 
quick  time.  Whilst  on  our  way  we  Avere  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the 
enemy's  artillery,  many  of  whose  shells  bursted  near  us,  but  without 
effect.  We  were  ordered  to  form  on  the  right  of  the  fifth  regiment. 
The  guide  led  my  right  up  near  the  right  of  the  fifth,  which  irame- 
diatcTj  commenced  to  advance.  I  had  consequently-  to'  bring  my 
regiment  into  line  faced  by  the  rear  rank.  We  formed  under  1;he  fire 
of  the  enemy,  who  were  in  line  of  battle  just  over  the  crest  of  the 
hill,  with,  skirmishers  behind  trees  on  the  top.  After  commencing 
our  fire  we  gradually  changed  our  front  forward  on  one  of  the  inte- 
rior companies,  without  any  formal  movement,  in  order  to  adapt 
ourselves  to  the  position  of  the  enemy,  who  otherwise  would  have 
gotten  around  our  right  Hank.  Our  firing,  though  a  little  too  hur-* 
ried  at  first,  was  afterwards  delivered  with  becoming  deliberation  and, 
I  trust,  with  effect.  The  men  fought  with  great  bravery,  and  most 
industriously.  The  officers  all,  so  far  as  I  observed  and  have  been 
able  to  learn,  bore  themselves  gallantly.  Among  so  many,  it  might 
bo  deemed  invidious  to  mention  any  except  those  whose  devoted 
courage  cost  them  their  lives.  I  refer  to  Captains  Morriss  and 
Rector,  who  fell  while  gallantly  discharging  their  duties.  Our  men 
stood  bravely  up  to  their  work  until  ordered  to  withdraw  by  Colonel 
Burk,  whose  presence  and  activity  greatly  inspired  the  regiment. 
The  order  to  retire  being  imperfectly  heard,  we  fell  back  very  much 
scattered  and  in  haste,  but  rallied  within  five  hundred  yards  of  the 
enemy,  who  advanced  only  to  the  edge  of  the  woods,  A  small  portion 
of  the  regiment,  while  falling  back,  was  separated  and  joined  us, 
under  their  officers,  after  reaching  the  main  road.  The  remainder 
were  placed  under  charge  of  Captain  Hall,  and  we  entered  the  main 
road  where  we  had  left  it,  and  waited  orders.  Colonel  Burk  ordered 
iis  towards  Newtown.  So  far  as  I  could  ascertain,  we  wefe  the  last 
regiment  to  leave  the  field. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

]>.  A.  LANGHORNE, 
Lieut.   Col.  commanding  forty -second  regiment   Va.  volunteers. 

p,   S. — Accompanying  the  above  you  will  find  a  report  of  casual- 
ties, a  summary  of  which  I. append  below. 

Summary, 
There  Tvere  nineteen  commissioned  officers,  fifty-two  non-commis- 


S7 

» 

sioned  oflBcers,  and  two  hundred  and  twenty-two  privates  in  the 
engagement.  Of  this  number,  two  commissioned  officers  were  killed 
and  five  -wounded.  Of  the  non-commissioned  officers,  there  -were 
two  killed,  eleven  wounded,  three  wounded  and  left  on  the  field,  and 
two  missing.  Of  the  privates,  there  were  seven  killed,  twenty-six 
wounded,  five  wounded  and  left  on  the  field,  and  seven  missing. 
Total  number  of  casualties,  seventy. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  ASHBY. 


Camp  near  Woodstock,  > 
March  26,  1862.      \ 

Major  A.  S.  Pendleton,  A.  A.  A.  General, 

Army  of  the  Valley  : 

Dear  Sir  :  In  reporting  the  part  performed  by  troops  under  mj 
command,  in  the  engagement  of  Sunday,  23rd,  it  is  proper  to  state 
that  four  companies  of  cavalry,  under  Major  0.  R,  Funston,  were  by 
your  order  sent  by  me  to  the  extreme .  left  of  your  line,  and  acted 
under  your  orders  directly.  . 

Having  followed  -the  enemy,  in  his  hasty  retreat  from  Strasburg 
upon  Saturday  evening,  I  came  upon  the  forces  remaining  in  Win- 
chester, within  a  mile  of  this  place,  and  became  satisfied  that  he  had 
but  four  regiments,  and  learned  that  they  had  orders  to  march  in  the 
direction  of  Harper's  ferr'y,  but  Sunday  morning  I  moved  my  force 
of  cavalry,  battery  of  three  guns,  and  four  companies  of  infantry, 
under  Captain  Nandenbousch,  to  Kcrnstown,  where,  after  firing  a  few 
shots  and  pressing  in  the  direction  of  AVinchester  with  cavalry,  I 
learned  that  the  enemy  was  increasing  his  force  and  intended  making 
a  stand.  lie  had  thrown  skirmishers  out  to  threaten  my  guns,  when 
I  ordered  Captain  Nadenbousch  to  protect  them  against  him,  which  ho 
did  by  driving  him  from  his  place  in  the  woods,  most  gallantly,  and 
it  was  with  extreme  regret  that  I  found  it  necessary  to  order  him  to 
fall  back,  which  I  did,  owing  to  theencuiy's  getting  into  position  upon 
my  left  with  artillery  and  infantry,  to  command  the  position  taken  by 
Captain  Nadenbousch. 

Accompanying  this  you  will  find  Capt.  Nadenbousch's  report.  Upon 
falling  back,  which  I  did  for  one-fourth  of  a  mile,  I  received  your 
order  to  prepare  for  an  advance,  and  learned  that  your  force  had  ar- 
rived. My  order  being  to  threaten  the  front  and  right,  I  placed  one 
gun  to  bear  upon  the  front  and  on§  upon  his  left,  where  I  kept  up  an 
incessant  fire,  with  some  visible  effect,  gaining  ground  upon  him, 
•when  I  ordered  a  charge  upon  his  extreme  left,  where  I  drove  their 
advance  upon'themain  line,  losing  one  Lieutenant,  (Thaddeus  Strasher 
killed,)  six  privates  wounded.  We  however,  took  six  or  seven  pris- 
-oners. 

The  loss  of  Lieutenant  Strasher  is  a  great  one  to  his  company  and 
regiment,  as  his  boldness  and  efficiency  had  made  its  mark  in  the 
regiment.  One  man  was  taken  prisoner  upon  the  left  of  Captain 
Turner's  company,  having  been  thrown  from  his  horse  and  ordered  to 
■the  rear. 
.  When  the  firing  ceased  at  twilight,  I  ordered  my  guns  back  to  the 
rear,  and  the  cavalry  to  cover  the  flank  of  Colonel  Burk's  command, 
•  coming  out  in  the  turnpike,  and  after  this  had  passed  remained  at 


39 

Bartonsville  with  my  companies  until' ten  o'clock,  on  Monday    morn- 
ing, "when  the  enemy  again  advanced  cautiously. 

Respectfully, 

TURNER  ASHBT, 
Coknd  cominanding  Cavalry. 

P.  S. — Owing  to  the  arduous  duties  imposed  upon  ray  cavalry  com- 
panies up  to  the  time  that  the  enemy  left  Strasl)urg  upon  his  retreat 
to  Winchester,  I  started  in  pursuit  with  one  company,  Captain  Sheets', 
with  orders  for  Captains  Bowen  and  Turner  to  come  on  during  the 
night,  (Friday.) 

After  reaching  Newtown,  or  on  the  way  there,  I  dispatched  an  order 
for  all  of  the  companies  to  come  up,  when  I  sent  Captaijis  Bowen  and 
George  W.  Myers  to  Clarke  county — left  Captains  Shands  and  Harper 
upon  the  back  road — proceeded  with  such  of  Captains  Turner's  and 
Sheet's  companies  as  were  fit  for  duty,  towards  Winchester — Captain 
Henderson  and  Captain  Marshall  coming  up  while  I  was  skirmishing 
with  thern — Captain  Baylor  being  on  the  Front  Royal  road.  These 
companies  having  had  insufficient  forage  and  rest  for  one  week  or  more. 
I  educed  their  number  in  the  fight  of  the  23rd  to  not  more  than  one 
hundred  and  fifty,  in  the  regiment  with  me,  and  I  am  informed  by 
Major  Funsten  that  ho  had  but  one  hundred  and  forty  men.  I  feel 
that  an  explanation  is  due  for  my  ranks  being  so  small,  but  when  I 
assure  you  of  the  poor  condition  of  my  men  and  horses,  and  not  ex- 
pecting a  fight  until  Wednesday,  will  explain  the  a^bsence  of  so  many. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  FULKERSON. 

IIeahquartf-rs  Brigadf.,  a.  N.  V.      ) 
Comp  near  Mt.  Jackscn,  Va  ,  March  26,  1862.  J 

Lieutenant  A.  S.  Pkndi.eton,  A.  A.  A.  Ginrral, 

J'oUey  District : 

ISiR  :  Ou  the  night  of  the  22nd  inatant,  while  in  camp  near  Stras- 
burg,  1  received  an  order  from  the  Major  General  commanding,  to 
have  my  baggage  packed  and  move  my  command,  consisting  of  the 
thirty- seventh  Virginia  volunteers,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel 
R.  r.  Carson,  the  twenty-third  Virginia  volunteers,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  Colonel  A.  G.  Taliaferro,  and  the  Danville  artillery,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  A.  0.  Lanier,  at  dawn  on  the  following  morn- 
ing, on  the  road  towards  Winchester. 

Accordingly  I  marched  off,  and  proceeded  about  ten  miles,  when  I  was 
filed  off  from  the  road  to  the  left,  about  one  half  mile,  and  placed  in 
a  piece  of  woods.  1  was  then  ordered  to  take  my  infantry  force  and 
scour  a  body  of  woods,  standing  still  further  to  the  left,  «i^d  extending 
parallel  with  the  road  leading  to  Winchester.  I  threw  forward  skir- 
mishers, and  proceeded  through  the  woods,  followed  by  the  second 
Virginia  volunteers,  Colonel  Allen.*  When  1  reached  the  open 
land  and  finding  no  enemy  in  the  woods,  I  reported  to  the  Major  Gen- 
eral commanding,  when  he  rode  forward  and  ordered  me  to  turn  a 
battery  of  the  enemy's,  which  had  opened  fire  upon  us  from  a  com- 
manding hill  across  the  field  in  my  front,  and  at  the  same  time  he  in- 
formed me  that  1  would  be  supported  by  General  Garnett. 

I  threw  my  command  into  column  by  division  at  full  distance,  the 
thirty-seventh  in  front,  and  after  tearing  down  a  portion  of  a  plank 
fence,  entered  the  fields  directly  in  front  of  the  enemy's  position,  from 
which  he  instantly  opened  a  galling  fire  upon^s.  After  going  in 
that  direction  for  some  distance,  I  turned  a  little  to  the  left,  which 
brought  the  right  flank  of  my  command  next  to  the  enemy's  position. 
1^0  ground  at  this  point  being  marshy,  and  several  fences  interposing, 
theadvance  was  a  good  deal  retarded,  but  steady.  The  enemy  all  the 
while  throwing  shell  ami  ^^hotinto  the  column  with  great  rapiility. 

On  the  enemy's  right,  and  near  his  position,  stood  a  small  cluster- 
of  trees.  I  thought  that  if  I  could  so  direct  my  course  as  to  place 
that  grove  between  me  and  the  enemy's  guns,  I  would  be '  protected 
from  his  fire.  But  so  soon  as  I  had  reached  the  desired  point,  a  bat- 
tery placed  in  the  opened  ground  beyond  the  trees,  opened  a  terrible 
fire  upon  me.  I  then  turned  still  further  to  the  left,  and  took  shelter 
in  apiece  of  wood  land,  into  which  the  enemy  poured  a  very  hot  fire 
of  shell  and  grape,  for  some  half  hour.  In  the-  meantime  the  enemy 
threw  a  heavy  column  of  infantry  on  the  brow  of  the  hill  below  his 
guns,  seemingly  for  the  purpose  of  resisting  a  charge  upon  the 
position. 

My  advance  up  to  this  point,  a  distance  of  about  half  a  mile,  was 


41 

under  a  fire  that  might  well  have  made  veterans  quail.  But  my  offi- 
cers and  men  pressed  steadily  forward,  instantly  closing  up  where  a 
break  was  made  in  the  column  by  the  enemy's  shot.  I  then  moved 
across  a  hill  and  took  position  in  a  hollow,where  General  Garnett  had  his 
brigade  sheltered,  and  reported  my  position  to  the  Major  General 
commanding. 

At  this  point  I  was  much  annoyed  by  the  enemy's  shelling,  but  only 
had  one  man  wounded  by  it.  In  a  short  time  the  twenty-seventh 
Virginia  volunteers,  (Colonel  Echols,)  moved  forward  as  skirmishers, 
and  soon  engaged  the  enfby,  when  I  instantly  put  my  command  in 
line  under  cover  of  some  timber,  and  moved  forward  across  a  field, 
under  a  most  destructive  fire  of  musketry. 

I  reached  a  stone  fence  which  extended  from  the  left  Hank  of  our 
forces  already  engaged  with  the  enemy,  behind  which  I  took  position, 
thus  forming  the  left  of  our  line.  On  reaching  the  stone  fence,  I 
found  two  regiments  of  the  enemy  a  short  distance  in  the  field  beyond, 
which  were  evidently  trying  to  get  possession  of  the  same  fence. 

My  command  at  once  opened  a  very  destructive  fire  which  in  a  short 
time  strewed  the  field  with  the  dead  and  wounded  of  the  enemy. 

He  withstood  the  fire  but  a  short  time,  when  he  gave  way  and  fled  to 
the  woods  in  his  rear,  and  to  a  atorc  fence,  which  joined  to 'and  run 
at  a  right  angle  with  the  fence  behind  which  I  was.  I  im- 
mediately detached  a  portion  of  the  thirty-seventh,  and  placed  them 
in  position,  at  the  junction  of  the  two  stone  fences,  for  the  purpose 
of  dislodging  that  portion  of  the  enemy,  which  had  taken  shelter  be- 
hind one  of  them.  This  was  soon  effected,  and  the  enemy  driven  en- 
tirely from  the  left  fiank  of  our  line.  He  left  one  stand  of  colors 
upon  the  field.  In  a  ?hort  time  the  right  wing  of  our  line  gave  way, 
it  being  nearly  night,  and  the  enemy  advancing  to  the  position  just  left 
by  our  right  wing,  thus  placing  himself  on  my  right  flank,  threaten- 
ing my  rear.  I  ordered  my  command  to  fall  back  to  the  next  piece  of 
woods.  Some  stone  fences  and  a  mill  pond  produced  some  confusion, 
and  separated  a  few  of  my  men  from  their  regiments,  and  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  pond  a  few  were  captured  by  the  enemy's  cavalry. 
I  rallied  the  remainder  in  the  woods,  intending  to  render  such  assist- 
ance as  I  could  to  Colonel  Burk,  who  was  now  engaged  with  the 
enemy.  But  it  being  dusk,  and  the  firing  having  ceased,  and  seeing 
Colonel  Burk  retiring  through  an  adjoining  field,  I  proceeded  to  my 
encampment,  near  Newtown.  My  command  had  been  greatly  reduced 
by  furloughs,  and  men  on  the  recruiting  service.  Many  of  my  offi- 
cers were  also  absent  on  recruiting  service  or  sick.  I  Avent  into 
the  action  with  tkree  hundred  and  ninty-seven  men  in  the  thirty- 
seventh,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  in  the  twenta|third,  making  a 
total  of  five  hundred  and  fifty-seven.  ^^% 

The  artillery  was  not  engaged.  I  have  to  regret  the  loss  of  several 
valuable  officers,  who  were  killed  or  wounded. 

In  the  thirty-seventh,  Lieutenant  J.  C.  Willis  was  killed,  Captain 
R.  E.  Cowan  and  Lieutenant  P.  S.  Hagy  were,  I  fear,  mortally 
wounded,  and. the  latter  taken  prisoner.     Captain  James  Vance  and 


42 

Lieutenant  George  A.  Ncal  were  wounded  and  taken  prisoners.   Captain 
Thomas  S.  Gibson  and  Lieutenant  II.  Charles  Preston  wounded. 

The  enemy's  cavalry  got  in  the  rear,  and  captured  some  ambulances 
with  some  of  my  wounded. 

In  the  twenty-third,  Captain  Walton,  Lieutenants  Crump  and  Cur- 
tis were  wounded — Captain  Sergeant  is  missing. 

My  whole  loss  is  as  follows  :  In  the  thirty-seventh,  twelve  killed,  six- 
ty-two wounded  and  thirty-nine  missing — tatol  loss  in  thirty-serenth 
one  hundred  and  thirteen.  In  the  twenty-third,  three  killed,  fourteen 
wounded  and  thirty-tjvo  missing — total  forty-nine.  Aggregate  in 
both  one  hundred  and  sixty-two. 

I  cannot  speak  in  suitable  terms  of  the  brave  conduct  of  my  officers 
aud  men,  and  when  all  acted  so  well,  it  would  be  unjust  to  discrimi- 
nate. To  Lieutenant  Colonel  Taliaferro,  of  the  twonty-third,  and 
Lieutenant  Colonel  IJarson  and  Major  Williams,  of  the  thirty-seventh, 
I  am  especially  indebted  for  their  distinguished  gallantry  throughout 
the  contest. 

My  adjutant,  William  S.  Rice,  exhibited  great  courage  and  coolness 
in  executing  my  orders.  Surgeon  Daily  and  Assistant  Surgeon  Den- 
nis, of  the  twenty-third,  deserve  great  praise  for  their  attention  to 
the  wounded,  under  the  hottest  fire.  Appended  I  tr^xnsrnit  a  list  of  the 
killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

Repectfully, 

SAMUEL  V.  FULKERSON,  * 
Cvluncl  commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  TALIAFERRO. 

Camp  near  Mount  Jackson,  March  26,   1862. 

To  Colonel  Fulkerson, 

Commanding  Fourth  Brigade  Virginia  Volunteers  : 

Colonel  :  As  my  commanding  officer,  I  beg  leave  to  report  the 
following  as  to  the  part  taken  by  my  regiment  in  the  late  battle 
fought  near  Winchester,  on  the  SSrd,  its  strength  on  that  day,  cas- 
ualties, &c.,  &c.  As  you  are  aware,  our  operations  were  upon  the 
extreme  left  of  the  army,  to  which  your  command  was  ordered. 

The  morning's  report  of  that  day  gave  us  only  two  captains,  six 
lieutenants,  nine  sergeants,  and  one  hundred  and  sixly  men,  rank 
and  file,  fit  for  duty,  the  regiment  being  sa^ily  reduced  by  leaves  of 
absence  to  re-enlisted  men.  Of  this  number,  I  have  to  report  three 
killed,  fourteen  wounded,  and  thirty-two  missing,  as  see  list  given 
below. 

Where  all  behaved  so  well,  I  find  it  impossible  to  discriminate. 
Officers  and  men  alij^e  bore  themselves  bravely  and  gallantly.  To 
the  members  of  my  medical  staff  my  thanks  are  especially  due  for 
their  prompt  attention  to  the  wounded,  ivhich  w^as  fearlessly  given, 
and  under  showers  of  shot  and  shell  and  small  arms. 

Company  A. — No  casualties. 

Company  B. — Wounded — John  E.  Foster.  Missing — G.  L.  Saun- 
derson,  T.  B.  Hall,  W.  A.  Dervine. 

Company  C. — AVounded — W.  T.  Edmonds. 

Company  D. — Missing — Captain  W.  J.  Sergeant,  Private  R.  S. 
Watkins. 

Company  E. — Wounded — 0.  E.  Burnes,  W.  Davis,  T.  M.  Hobson. 

Company  F. — Wounded — Lieutenant  E.  W.  Curtis,  Corporal  C. 
Clark.     Missing— J.  S.  Johnson,  W.  Bowler,  11.  C.  Young. 

Company  G. — Killed — H.  S.  Francisco.  Wounded — W.  A,  Gar- 
rett, M.  Sharp,  J.  P.  Waddy.  Missing — J.  L.  Burruss,  H.  Duke, 
H.  Oliver,  R.  F.  Tally,  D.  A.  Trice. 

Company  H. — Wounded — Lieutenant  E,  C.  Crump.  Missing — 
H.  Haupt,  J.  Allurues. 

Company  I. — Missing — Sergeant  N.  E.  Venable,  Sergeant  F. 
Hamilton,  J.  M.  Hamilton. 

Company  K. — Killed — J".  C.  Pettis,  G.  G.  Eubanks.  Wounded — 
Captain  S.  T.  Walton,  Sergeant  J.  H.  Pettis,  T.  C.  Hawkins. 
Missing — W.  B.  Couch,  W.  Cassaday,  Corporal  P.  A.  Booth,  C.  B. 
Anderson,  A.  S.  Eubanks,  J.  F.  Eubanks,  N.  Flemming,  E.  II. 
Hawkins,  J.  Howard,  A.  W.  Keeling,  C.  Robertson,^  J.  J.  McCargs, 
JV.  J.  Webb,  S.  M.  Willis. 

All  of  which  is  most  respfectfully  submitted. 

ALEXANDER  G.  TALIAFERRO, 

Lieut.  Col.  commanding  twenty-second  regiment  Virginia  volunteers, 
Official :  W.  S.  Rice,  A.  A.  A.  G. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  McLAUGIILIN. 

Camp  Buchanan,  March  29tb,  1862. 
Captain  R.  J.  Wingate,  A.  A.  General : 

I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations 
of  the  battery  under  my  command  in  the  action  of  the  .23d  instant, 
near  Winchester: 

Wc  left  Cedar  creek  about  seven  o'clock,  A.  M  ,  on  t\ie  23d,  and 
arrived  near  the  scene  of  the  subsequent  action  about  noon.  We 
were  immediately  put  in  position,  by  order  of  the  Major  General 
commanding,  on  the  hill  to  the  left  of  the  road,  so  as  to  protect 
the  approaches  from  the  direction  of  Winchester. 

About  one  o'clock,  I  received  an  order  from  General  Jackson  to 
piove  around  with  four  pieces  to  the  left,  immediately  followed  by  an 
order  to  proceed  with  the  whole  battery.  I  reported  to  him  in  person 
and  was  directed  to  occupy  a  hill  on  the  left  with  the  least  possible 
delay,  as  the  enemy  seemed  to  be  endeavoring  to  do  the  same.  In 
proceeding  thither  we  were  subjected  to  a  rapid  <ind  well-directed  fire 
from  a  battery  of  the  enemy  of  six  or  eight  rifled  guns,  placed  in  a 
commanding  position  on  a  hill  west  of  Winchester,  one  of  the  shots 
taking  effect  and  completely  disabling  the  seventh  (rifle)  piece  of  the 
battery,  rendering  it  necessary  to  order  it  to  the  rear.  When  'we 
reached  the  crest  of  the  hill,  a  well-directed  shot  from  the  enemy's 
battery  succeeded  in  temporarily  disabling  the  third  piece  of  the 
battery  by  killing  tho  wheel-horses  and  dangerously  wounding  the 
driver  and  one  of  the  cannoniers.  The  other  six  pieces  promptly 
took  their  position  and  engaged  the  enemy's  battery  with  marked 
effect,  as  his  firing  became  much  slower,  and  far  less  accurate.  The 
horses  of  the  caisson  were  promptly  transferred  to  the  third  piece, 
which  also  took  its  position  in  action. 

About  half-past  three  o'clock,  a  section  of  the  battery  under  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  Poague,  was  ordered  to  the  left,  and  with  the  bat- 
teries of  Captains  Carpenter  and  Waters,  played  on  tho  enemy's 
artillery  and  infantry. 

About  half  past  four  o'clock,  I  joined  this  section,  and  immediately 
ordered  to  remove  it  to  the  position  of  the  rest  of  the  battery.  The 
enemy  having  engaged  our  infantry  in  grqat  force  in  a  line  perpendi- 
cular to  the  line  of  the  battery,  this  section  was  posted  near  the  straw 
stacks  so  as  to  sweep  the  hill  on  either  side,  and  play  on  the  enemy's 
reinforcements,  as  it  did  with  effect.  The  rest  of  the  battery  continued 
to  fire  upon  his, artillery  and  infantry  for  some  time,  when  it  was 
shifted  so  as  to  sweep  the  same  hill  and  protect  our  right  flank  should 
the  enemy  endeavor  to  turn  it.  Our  infantry  being  pressed  back,  tl^ 
enemy,  with  two  or  three  regiments,'  pre'sscd  along  the  hill,  evidently 
for  the  purpose  of  turning  our  right  and  cutting  us  off  from  the  turn- 
pike. As  they  crossed  the  fence  in  front  of  the  battery  at  a  distance 
of  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  we  opened  upon  them  with  a 
'  rapid  and  well-directed  fire  of  canister  from  four  pieces,  completely 


45 

driving  them  back  and  not  appearing  again  in  that  direction  while  we 
remained  in  the  field.  Our  infantry  having  fallen  hack  from  the 
woods  on  our  left,  which  was  immediately  occupied  by  the  enemy, 
and  the  fifth  Virginia  regiment  having  formed  in  the  edge  of  the 
woods,  near  the  straw  stacks,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in 
our  rear,  I  ordered  these  four  pieces  to  limber  up  and  fall  back 
to  the  rear  of  the  fifth  regiment,  to  be  disposed  of  as  occasion 
might  require.  In  the  meantime,  the  enemy  having  emerged  from 
the  woods  to  the  left  of  the  position  occupied  by  these  four  pieces, 
and  into  the  field  in  which  the  straw  stacks  stood,  the  section  of 
Lieutenant  Poaguc  opened  upon  thepi,  with  canister,  at  a  distance  of 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  driving  them,  with  the  fire  of  the 
fifth  regiment,  back  into  the  woods,  where  they  rapidly  reformed. 
As  the  fifth  regiment  was  beginning  to  fall  back,  this  section  was 
limbered  to  \h.e  rear  amid  a  most  destructive  fire  from  his  infantry, 
peverely  wounding  one  of  the  sergeants  and  two  of  the  cannoniers, 
killing  two  horses  and  wounding  three  others,  rendering  it  impossible 
to  bring  off  one  of  the  pieces.  I  immediately  joined  the  rest  of  the 
battery,  but,  as  the  infimtry  were  falling  back,  and  it  was  growing  dark, 
and  the  ground  being  very  unfavorable  for  moving  tiie  carriages,  I  found 
it  impracticable  to  reform  the  battery  on  the  hill  in  the  woods,  as  I 
had  intended,  and  found  it  necessary  to  carry  the  pieces  to  the  field  at 
the  foot  of  the  hill,  where  I  halted  and' awaited  orders.  In  a  short 
time  I  was  directed  by  Lieutenant  Jenkin,  aid  of  General  Jackson,  to 
send  tliC  ca'ssons  to  the  rear,  and  to  form  the  battery  on  a  hill  in  the 
rear  to  protect  the  retreat.  I  was  proceeding  to  execute  the  order, 
when  I  received  an  order  from  the  Major  .General  commanding,  through 
Major  F.  B.  Jones,  second  Virginia  regiment,  acting  aid,  to  proceed 
without  delay  to  the  turnpike,  which  was  done  in  good  order. 

I  desire  to  express  my  depreciation  of  the  coolness  and  gallantry 
displayed  by  the  officers  and  men  of  the  battery  throughout  the  entire 
action,  and  to  the  efficiency,  skill,  and  rapidity  with  which  they 
handled  their  pieces.  When  all  did  so  well  it  would  be  improper  to 
discriminate,  and  I  shall  content  myself  with  naming  the  chief  of  sec- 
tions. Sheets,  Poaguc,  Graham,  and  Leyborne,  and  Sergeant  Davis, 
upon  whom,  at  different  times,  devolved  separate  commands,  the  divi- 
sions of  the  battery  rendering  it  impracticable  for  me  personally  to 
direct  all  the  movements,  and  from  whom  I  received  invaluable  assist- 
ance. 

Appended  will  be  found  a  list  of  the  casualties  of  the  day. 
Respectfully, 

WILLIAM  Mclaughlin, 

Captain  commanding  Rockbridge  Artillery. 


•Killed— None. 

Wounded — John  A.  Wallace,  mortally  in  the  thigh;  Wm.  H.  Byrd, 
dangerously  in  the  leg ;  Thomas  J,  Gray,  dangerously  in  foot,  (since 
dead;)  Sergeant  James  L.  Paxton,  severely  in  leg;  Geo.  W.  Reut- 


46 

zell,  severely  in  hip  and  arm;  Samuel D.  Anderson,  severely  in  arm; 
J,  Campbell  Ileiskell,  slightly  in  arm ;  Robert  Fraser,  slightly  in  leg 
and  face;  Michael  J.  Emmeld,  slightly  in  face;  Kinlock  Nelson, 
slightly  in  foot     Total,  ten.     Missing,  Robert  S.  Bell,  one. 

Casualties. 

•Wounded,  non-commigsioned  officers,  .  -  l 

Wounded,  privates,        .  _  .  -  .  9 

—   le 

Missing,  --_--»  I 

Total,  ------  11 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  CUMMINGS. 

Camp   Buchanan,  near  Mount  Jackson,  t 
March  29,  1862.      S 

To  R.  J.  WiNGATE,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  to  the  General  commanding  first 
brigade  the  part  borne  by  my  regiment,  the  thirty-third  regiment 
Virginia  volunteers,  in  the  engagement  with  the  enemy  near  Kerns- 
tcwn  on  Sunday  evening,  the  23rd  ultimo. 

About  three  o'clock,  V.  ]\I.,  on  Sunday  evening,  we  came  in  sight 
of  the  enemy's  batteries,  having  marched  a  distance  of  about  forty 
miles  from  eight  o'clock  the  previous  morning.  After  remaining  in 
a  strip  of  woods  west  oi  the  Winchester  turnpike,  my  regiment,  by 
the  General's  order,  was  marched  by  fl.ank  about  half  a  mile  in  a 
northwest  direction,  when  it  was  formed  in  line  of  battle,  and 
advanced  in  line  a  short  distance,  through  a  flat  woodland,  imme- 
diately in  the  direction  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  planted  upon  a 
commanding  etninence,  a  little  west  of  the  Winchester  turnpike  and 
southwest  of  Kernstown.  Here,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's 
battery,  the  regiment  was  formed,  by  the  order  of  the  General,  into 
columti  of  divisions  and  advanced  in  a  northwesterly  direction, 
through  an  open  space,  when  it  was  formed  again  in  line  and  marched 
by  flanks,  still  in  the  same  general  direction,  through  the  open  space 
for  about  one  thousand  yards,  all  the  time  within  full  range  of  the 
enemy's  guns  and  exposed  to  a  heavy  fire  from  their  batteries.  My 
regiment  followed  immediately  in  rear  of  Colonel  Fulkerson's  com- 
mand, (deflecting  a  little  to  .the  west,)  which  it  was  intended  to 
support. 

After  passing  through  the  open  space  before  referred  to,  my  regi- 
ment crossed  a  ridge  running  northeast  and  southwest,  and  afterwards 
occupied  by  our  artillery.  Colonel  Fulkerson's  command,  which  was 
in  advance,  joined  on  the  north  side  of  the  ridge.  My  regiment, 
after  passing  some  two  or  three  hundred  yards  along  the  base  of  the 
ridge,  remained,  somewhat  sheltered  by  the  ridge  and  timber,  for 
about  an  hour,  under  a  most  terrific  fire  of  shot  and  shell  from  the 
enemy's  batteries,  (now  upon  our  east,)  changing  position  so  as  to 
keep  within  supporting  distance  of  our  artillery.  After  my  regiment 
had  remained  in  this  position,  it  was  ordered  forward  in  advance  of 
Colonel  Fulkerson's  command,  which,  at  the  time,  occupied  the  base 
of  the  same  ridge  immediately  in  advance.  A  few  minutes  after  we 
had  reached  the  first  position  occupied,  after  crossing  the  open  space 
and  ridge,  a  hot  engagement  commenced  between  our  infantry,  about 
three  hundred  yards  in  our  advance,  and  the  infantry  of  the  enemy. 
By  your  direction,  I  immediately  formed  my  regiment  in  line  of 
battle,  perpendicularly  to  the  line  of  the  ridge  occupied  by  our  ar- 
tillery. 

The  infantry   engaged  being  immediately  in  our  front,  I  moved 


48 

forward  at  once,  in  line  of  battle,  to  the  support  of  tlie  twenty-seventh 
regiment  Virginia  volunteers,  and  what  I  supposed  to  be  the  twenty- 
first  regiment  Virginia  volunteers,  who  were  occupying  the  spur  of 
the  rfdge  occupied  by  our  artillery,  and  hotly  engaging  the  enemy  in 
largely  superior  numbers.  It  being  but  about  three  hundred  yards 
from  where  my  regiment  was  last  formed  in  ,line  of  battle  to  where 
our  troops  were  engaging  the  enemy,  my  regiment  soon  arrived  upon 
the  ground,  and  immediately  opened  fire  upon  the  eneiny,  wlio  occu- 
pied the  ground  in  our  front,  and  to  the  right  and  left  of  our  front. 
AVe  kept  up  an  incessant  firo  upon  the  enemy  for  about  one  and  a 
half  hours,  who  were  pressing  upon  us  in  largely  superior  numbers, 
and  pouring  into  our  ranks  a  deadly  fire.  My  regiment  occupied, 
with  two  other  regiments,  part  of  the  spur  upon  which  our  line  of 
battle  was  formed,  and  immediately  on  the  right  of  the  twenty-seventh 
regiment  Virginia  volunteers. 

After  contending  manfully  against  largely^uperior  numbers  for 
about  one  and  a  half  hours,  many  of  the  men  naving  exhausted  their 
ammunition,  the  men  of  two  or  three  different  regiments  being  min- 
gled with  mine — it  was  announced  by  (I  believe;  the  adjutant  of  the 
second  regiment  that  it  was  the  order  of  the  General  to  fall  back, 
when  there  was  a  general  falling  back,  after  having  contended  for 
upwards  of  an  hour  against  large  odds,  and  many,  being  without 
ammunition,  had  previonsly  fallen  to  the  rear. 

The.  brave  and  gallant  manner  in  which  the  officers,  non-commis- 
eioned  officers,  and  privates  of  my  regiment  did  their  dut}'  und^r  the 
most  disadvantageous  circumstances,  being  worn  out  by  the  fatigue 
of  a  long  march  over  muddy  roads,  justly  entitlos  them  to  the  ever- 
lasting gratitude  of  their  country. 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  there  were  officers  and  men  of  two  or  three 
diifercnt  regiments  mingled  with  my  own  in  the  fight,  doubtless  many 
instances  oi  daring,  bravery,  and  gallantry  were  exhibited  by  officers 
and  men  which  did  not  come  under  my  observation,  and  I  therefore 
refrain  from  mentioning  those  that  did. 

I  doubt  if  men  are  often  required  to  pass  through  a  more  severe 
ordeal  than  were  the  officers  and  men  of  ray  regiment  on  the  evening 
of  the  23rd.  Owing  to  the  severe  march,  they  were  not  in  a  physical 
condition  to  meet  ecjual  numbers,  much  less  immense  odds. 

I  deem  it  unnecessary  to  give  further  particulars,  as  ray  regiment 
was  immediately  under  your  eye  and  orders  during  the  greatest  part 
of  the  time. 

Out  of  two  hundred  and  seventy-five  men  who  were  in  the  engage- 
ment, a  number  having  given  out  on  the  march,  there  were  eighteen 
killed,  and  twenty-nine  wounded,  and  fourteen  missing,  some  of 
•whom  are  doubtless  wounded  and  taken  prisoners ;  others,  perhaps, 
killed;  others  will  dcubtless  yet  report  to  their  command.  A  list  of 
the  killed  and  wounded  is  herewith  enclosed.  All  of  which  is  re- 
spectfully submitted. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  C.  GUMMING^, 
Colonel  Thirty-third  regiment  Virginia  volunteers. 


REPORT  OF   COLONEL  HARMAN. 

Headquarters  Fifth  Reg't.  Virginia  Volunteers,  ) 

March  27,  1862.       J 

Captain  R.  J.  Wing  ate,  A.  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  in  pursuance  of  general  or<]i>T 
number  forty- three,  the  operations  of  my  regiment  on  the  day  of  and 
during  the  engagement  of  the  23d  instant : 

Starting  from  near  Cedar  creek,  we  marched  a  distance  of  thirteen 
miles,  and  to  within  five  miles  of  Winchester,  on  the  Valley  turnpike, 
when  we  were  ordered  to  the  left  of  the  road  into  Burton's  woods,  and 
remained  about  an  hour,  a  brisk  cannonade  going  on  in  our  front: 
My  command  was  then  ordere,d  to  take  position  in  rear  of  a  stone 
fence,  running  in  front  of  an  open  field  between  the  woods  and  road, 
my  right  resting  on  the  turnpike'  the  raraainder  of  the  brigade 
moving  off  to  my  left  to  the  battle-field.  After  remaining  in  this  p-j- 
sition  for  about  two  hours,  during  which  time  there  was  a  continual 
fire  of  artillery  in  my  front,  and  large  bodies  of  the  enemy  moving 
around  from  my  right,  but  approaching  nearer  than  a  mile  and  a  half 
or  two  miles,  as  well  as  I  could  judge,  I  was  then  ordered  by  Gea- 
eral  Garnett,  through  Major  T.  B.  Jones,  second  Virginia  voluntecra, 
to  proceed  with  my  regiment  to  the  field  of  battle,  which  I  did  at  a 
quick  march  under  his  conduct,  and  proceeded  about  two  miles.  During 
the  whole  time  a  terrific  fire  of  cannon  and  musketry  was  going  on  ia 
my  front.  I  immdiately  reported  to  the  Major  General  commanding,  n  )t 
being  aware  of  the  position  of  General  Garnett,  who  ordered  me  to 
support  the  troops  engaged.  I  had,  however,  not  proceeded  more 
than  a  few  hundred  yards,  when  I  received  an  order  through  Major 
Jones,  to  file  to  the  left  into  the  woods.  Almost  immediately  thereaf- 
ter, whilst  the  regiment  was  filing  to  the  left,  the  Major  General  com- 
manding approached  and  ordered  me  to  occupy  and  hold  those  wooda.; 
and,  whilst  filing  into  the  woods.  General  Garnett  approached  me  a!id 
assigned  me  my  position  near  the  top  of  the  wooded  ridge.  In  froat 
of  me  was  an  open  field,  and  behind  it  a  large  and  heavily  timbered 
hill.  My  front  was  occupied  by  two  regiments  of  the  infantry  of  the 
enemy ;  on  my  left  were  scattered  squads  of  our  men  who  were  retiring 
from  the  field.  On  my  right  a  regiment  of  the  enemy  was  approacii- 
ing.  I  immediately  ordered  my  men  to  open  fire  upon  the  enemy.  In 
a  very  short  time,the  regiments  of  the  enemy  in  ray  front  were 
broken,  one  of  them  retiring  and  leaving  its  colors  in  the  field ;  but 
they  were  almost  immediately  reinforced  by  a  fresh  regiment,  upon 
whifh  they  rallied.  At  this  time  a  regiment  of  the  enemy  openod 
fire  upon  my  left,  thus  subjecting  me  to  a  heavy  cross  fire.  Seeing 
that  my  right  was  hardly  pressed,  I  rode  forward  to  observe  the  cause 
and  cheer  themon.  The  regiment  which  was  firing  upon  them  at  this 
moment  gave  way,  but  observing  that  my  centre  and  left  had  given 
4 


50 

way,  I  ordorctl  tliern  (the  right  companies)  to  cease  firing,  retired, 
my  colors  a  short  distance  holow  my  first  position,  ordered  the  regi- 
ment to  form  upon  them,  \vhich  was  fcpidly  done,  brought  the  regi- 
Diont  to  an  about  face,  and  continued  to  give  the  enemy  fight.  Thia 
position  I  held  for  some  time,  contending  with  a  hirgely  superior  force, 
the  enemy  displaying  six  or  seven  regimental  flags.  I  was  then  com- 
pelled to  fall  back  to  a  position  near  the  fence,  at  the  edge  of  the 
woods,  where  I  remained  for  some  minutes,  until  I  fo.und  it  was  im- 
possible to  withstand  a  force  so  superior  to  me  in  numbers,  there 
being  at  least  six  or  eight  to  one  engagsd  against  me,  and  in  addition 
to  that,  it  being  quite  dark,  and  a  large  body  of  the  enemy's  cavalry 
threatening  me  on  my  left.  The  gallant  forty-sec6nd  Virginia  regi- 
ment had  taken  position  on  my  right,"  and  were  most  efiiciently  .en- 
gaged ;  but  no  other    of  our    infantry    were    at  that    time    engaged. 

After  crossing  the  fence,  I  was  jojned  by  General  Garnctt,  with 
whom  I  retired  from  tha  field.  My  regiment  being  in  much  better 
Older  than  I  could  have  hoped,  under  the  circumstances,  I  fell  back 
by  Bentonsville  to  the  train  of  wagons  which  had  retired  beyond  New- 
town, 

I  believe  that,  under  the  providence  of  God,  my  regiment  had  the 
honor  of  contributing  materially  to  the  protection  of  the  artillery, 
end  the  preservation  of  the  gallant  men  of  other  regiments,  who,  from 
overpowering  force  and  want  of  ammunition,  were  compelled  to  retire 
from  the  field. 

To  the  officers  and  men  of  ray  command,  without  exception,  I  am 
greatly  indebted  for  the  gallantry,  determination  and  courage  they 
displaced  throughout  my  participation  in  this  engagement.  When  the 
f?.3t  is  considered  that  my  men  had,  on  the  day  before,  made  a  march 
of  twenty-six  miles,  and  before  going  into  the  fight  had  marched  thir- 
teen miles  on  a  rock  pike,  I  think  1  may,  without  f(far  of  criticism, 
claim  for  them  the  highest  meed  of  praise.  Where  every  single  com- 
pany displayed  the  greatest  gallantry  and  intrepidity,  1  cannot  dis- 
tinguish one  over  the  other. 

I  cannot  refrain  frcm  expressing  the  deepest  regret  at  the  loss  of 
the  following  officers,  left  on  the  field,  viz  :  Captain  George  T. 
Autrine,  company  II,  severely  wounded;  second  Lieutenant  J.  W. 
Dale,  company  C,  supposed  to  have  been  mortally  wounded  ;  Lieuten- 
ant John  W,  \Vilson,  company  E,  killed. 

To  Major  Absalom  Koiner,  the  only  field  officer  with  me,  I  am 
greatly  indebted  for  his  zeal  and  efficiency. 

It  is  due  to,  my  personal  staff"  to  mention,  in  the  very  highest  terms, 
for  their  gallantry  and  intrepidity,  Adjutant  James  Buragardner  and 
Sergeant-major  John  M.  Carroll ;  nor  would  it  be  right  that  I  should 
fail  to  mention  the  distinguished  conduct  of  my  color-bearer,  sergeant 
Robert  H.  Fisher,  of  company  I. 

The  casualties  of  my  regiment  were  : 

Commiissoned  officers  killed — Lieutenant  J.  W.  Wilson,  company 
E. 

Mortally  wounded — Lieutenant  J.  W.  Dale,  company  C. 

Seriously  wounded — Captain  George  T.  Autrine,  company  H. 


51 

One  non-commissioned  oflScer  killed  ;  six  wounded. 
Seven  privates  killed,  forty  wounded,  four  missing. 
Total  killed,  wounded  and  missing  sixty-one,  of  which  I  herewith 
return  a  list. 

Respectfully, 

W.  H.  HARMAN, 
Colonel  Fifth  Virgi7iia  volunteers. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  GRIGSBY. 

Headquarters  Twenty-seventh  Regime'nt  Virginia  Volunteer?,  ) 

Camp  Stone,    J  a.,  March  21,   1862.       I 

Captain  R.  J.  Wingate,  A.  A.  G.  : 

In  compliance  with  order  No.  43,  I  make  the  followinc];  report  of 
the  twenty-seventh  regiment  during  the  engagement  near  Kernsfown 
on  Sunday,  the  23rd  instant.  The  twenty-seventh  regiment  was 
ordered  by  Major  General  Jackson  to  take  position  in  advance  of 
Captain  Carpenter's  battery,  and  to  support  the  same.  This  they 
did,  taking  position  some  distance  in  advance  of  the  battery,  with 
Captain  JShriver's  company  thrown  forward  as  skirmishers.  The 
position  wliere  the  regiment  was  first  drawn  up  being  untenable,  the 
regiment  fell  back  to  the  crest  of  a  hill  in  rear  of  the  first  position — 
^e  enemy  ndvancing  in  heavy  force.  The  enemy  v;as  repulsed  twice 
before  reinforcements  reached  us,  which  were  promptly  sent  forward 
as  soon  as  called  for.  The  position  was  held  until  the  regiment  was 
ordered  to  retire,  which  order  was  received  after  the  men  had  fired 
their  last  round  of  cartridges.  They  retired  slowly,  from  a  hard 
fought  fitdd,  in  the  face  of  an  overwhelming  force.  Colonel  Echols 
fell  t;evcrely  wounded,  whilst  gallantly  leading  his  regiment,  in  the 
hottest  of  the  fight.  I  cannot  speak  in  terms  of  too  much  praise  of 
the  oflicers  of  the  regiment,  who  acted  most  gallantly  througliout  the 
engagement,  constantly  exposing  themselves  to  the  most  galling  fire. 
The  non-commissioned  corps  and  privates  bore  themselves  gallantly 
throughout  the  engagement,  obeying  with  alacrity  all  the  orders  they 
received.  The  regiment  suffered  severely,  having  lost,  in  killed, 
wounded,  and  missing,  fifty-seven  ofiicers,  non-commissioned  officers 
and  privates — viz  :  Killed,  two ;  wounded  and  brought  off,  fourteen  ; 
wounded  nnd  missing,  six  ;  miseing,  thirty-five ;  "total,  fifty-seven. 

Amongst  the  missing  are  Captains  Ilolloway  and  Robertson,  and 
Jjieutenant  Lady. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A,   J.  GRIGSBY, 
Lieut.  Colonel  comin(i7idin£  iwenty-seventh  Virginia  volunteers. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  ALLEN. 

Captain  R.  J.  Wingate,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Captain  :  In  obedience  to  special  order  No.  43,  I  have  the  honor 
to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of  the  second  regi- 
ment Virginia  volunteers,  under  my  command,  on  Sunday,  M'arch 
23rd,  1862: 

About  six,  A.  M.,  with  seven  companies  of  my  regiment — compa- 
nies D,  I,  and  H  having  been  detached,  under  Captain  Nadenbousch, 
\yith  Colonel  Ashby's  regiment  of  cavalry — we  lefc  camp,  this  side  of 
Cedar  creek,  and  marched  to  within  five  miles  of  Winchester.  Being 
in  front  of  the  brigade,  I  was  directed  to  the  left  of  the  turnpike,  into 
a  piece  of  woods,  where  the  men  were  allowed  to  rest  for  about  half 
an  hour,  when  they  were  formed  in  line,  and  coaipany  G  thrown  for- 
ward about  three  hundred  yards  as  skirmishers.  Soon  afterwards  I 
was  directed  to  advance  and  support  Colonel  Fulkerson,  whom  I  over- 
took some  three-quarters  of  a  mile  in  front,  marching  in  line  of 
battle.  At  two,  1'.  M.,  I  placed  my  regiment  iu  double  column  and 
followed  in  his  rear — companies  D,  I,  and  II,  having  taken  their 
places  in  line,  looking  much  wearied  by  their  march  and  subsequent 
heavy  skirmish,  in  the  early  part  of  the  day,  with  a  large  force  of 
the  enemy's  advance  guard.  At  this  point  company  B  was  deployed 
as  skirmishers  on  our  right,  and  remained  in  that  position  until  just 
before  crossing  the  last  ridge,  where  it  joined  the  regiment.  Moving 
the  rest  of  the  command  in  the  rear  of  Colonel  Fulkerson's  brigade, 
in  the  direction  of  the  enemy's  battery  to  within  three  hundred  yards 
of  the  edge  of  the  woods,  at  which  point  the  fourth  regiment  was 
deployed  in  front  of  the  second,  and  I  received  an  order  frbra  General 
Garnett  to  support  it.  Whilst  waiting  in  this  position,  Major  Jones, 
who  had  been  ordered  to  report  to  the  Major  General  commanding, 
returned  with  an  order  for  the  first  brigade  to  occupy  the  wooded 
height  to^  our  left.  In  getting  to  this  point  we  were  compelled  to 
cross  a  large  field  in  full  view  and  direct  range  of  the  enemy's  batte- 
ries, which  poured  in  a  very  heavy  fire  of  shell  during  the  whole 
passage.  On  arriving  in  the  wood,  I  occupied  a  sheltered  position 
with  my  command,  and  went  across  the  ridgo  to  report  to  General 
Garnett.  Soon  after  my  return.  Major  Jones  again  ordered  us  for- 
ward, and,  after  crossing  the  ridge,  the  firing  of  musketry  b.egan  on 
our  left  and  front.  When  I  reached  the  last  woods,  I  brought  my 
regiment  into  line  by  the  right  flank,  and,  thus  advancing,  came  into 
action,  in  rear  of  the  thirty-third,  on  my  left,  and  the  Irish  battalion, 
on  my  right,  about  five,  P.  M.,  or  soon  after.  The  fire  from  the 
enemy  was  very  brisk,  but  I  advanced  some  paces  beyond  the  line  at 
first  occupied.  Seeing  a  wall  in  front  in  possession  of  the  enemy, 
my  object  was  to  get  possession  of  it,  but  owing  to  the  rapid  firing  of 
the  enemy  and  thick  undergrowth,  only  the  right  succeeded  in  reach- 
ing it,  which  they  held  until  the  order  to  retire  wa^  given,  about  six, 
P.  M.     Thus  the  men   were  exposed  to  a  severe  fire  for  nearly  an 


64 

hour,  during  which  time  they  did  not  lose  an  inch  of  ground.  .1 
cannot  too  highly  commend  the  coolness  and  bravery  of  both  officers 
and  men,  and  it  would  be  invidious  to  draw  comparisons.  I  will, 
therefore,  only  confine  myself  to  the  field  and  staff  ofliccrs  and  com- 
mandants of  companies  who  came  especially  under  my  observation. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Bo.tts  and  Adjutant  Hunter,  both  of  whom 
remained  mounted  during  the  day,  the  first  on  the  left  and  in  front, 
the  latter  near  me  in  rear,  maintained  the  position  of  the  line  by  their 
coolness  and  courage.  Major  Jones  I  observed  frequently  during 
the  day,  in  the  most  exposed  positions,  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties 
to  the  Major  General.  I  would  also  highly  commend  the  action  of 
Captains  Rowan,  Nadenbousch,  Hunter,  Butler,  Colston,  and  Moore; 
the  latter,  though  wounded,  went  back  to  the  fight.  Also,  that  of 
Lieutenants  Randolph,  Burgess,  Lewis,  and  J.  L.  Davis,  who  were  in 
command  of  their  respective  companies.  And  especially  would  I 
commend  the  conduct  of  Lieutenants  J.  L.  Davis,  Company  K,  and 
R.  H.  Lee,  company  G,  each  of  whom,  after  color  sergeant  Crest  fell 
dead  at  his  post,  in  succession  advanced  and  raised  my  colors,  and 
went  forward  and  cheered  on  the  men  until  each  was  shot  down,  the 
first  struck  by  a  spent  ball,  the  latter  badly  wounded.  1  would  also 
mention  most  honorably  the  conduct  of  Lieutenant  Hoofman,  com- 
pany D,  and  Orderly  Sergeant  Colston,  company  E,  who  were  both 
badly  wounded  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight.  My  list  of  killed  and 
■wounded  is  herewith  appended,  which,  under  the  especial  providence 
of  God,  who  protected  us  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight  and  retreat,  is 
much  smaller  than  could  have  been  expected.  Not  hearing  the  order 
to  retire,  I  did  not  give  it,  and  only  left  the  field  when  I  found  most 
of  the  men  were  drawn  off  on  our  left,  and  a  heavy  force  of  the  enemy 
were  advancing  in  that  direction. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

J.  W.  ALLEN, 
Colonel  Second  Regiment. 


•• 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  CARPENTER. 

Headquarters  Carpenter's  Battery,  ) 
March  27,  1862.      J 

General:  Iu  obedience  to  order  number  forty .  three,  I  make  the 
following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  my  company  in  the  engagement 
of  Sunday,  the  23d  instant. 

1  received  orders  at  twenty  minutes  past  one  o'clock,  to  take  two 
of  my  pieces  without  caissons,  and  follow  the  infantry  across  a  wood, 
west  01  the  Valley  turnpike.  After  proceeding  some  half  or  three- 
quarters  of  a  mile,  we  observed  to  our  front  and  right,  some  three  re- 
giments of  infantry  and  some  cavalry,  when  we  were  ordered  to  open 
fire  upon  them.  We  did  so.  After  firing  some  ten  rouftds,  they  re- 
tired to  the  wood  in  their  rear,  when  I  ceased  firing. 

In  a  few  minutes,  I  received  orders  to  take  my  battery  further  west, 
on  the  same  ridge  upon  which  the  enemy  were  stationed  in  strong 
force.  I  did  so,  under  a  very  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy's  battery, 
which  commanded  the  whole  scope  of  country  over  which  we  had  to 
pass  ;  but  fortunately  we  lost  not  a  man.  I  then  proceeded  some  half 
a  mile  under  the  crest  of  the  ridge  to  an  open  field.  When  I  discov- 
ered the  position  of  the  enemy,  I  brought  my  pieces  in  position,  and 
opened  fire  upon  them,  which  was  returned  by  four  pieces  of  artillery, 
which  I  had  not  discovered.  I  then  ordered  one  of  my  pieces  to  fire 
at  the  battery.  In  two  or  three  rounds,  the  enemy's  battery  was  driven 
from  position.  I  then  directed  all  my  pieces  to  fire  at  the  infantry 
and  cavalry.  They  soon  retired  from  view.  I  then  was  notified  to 
watch  the  enemy's  movements  to  our  left,  and  brought  my  pieces  to 
command  the  woods  to  our  left,  distant  some  hundred  and  fifty  yards, 
and  ordered  my  pieces  to  be  loaded  with  canister.  Before  the  order 
could  be  executed,  the  enemy  made  his  appearnce  and  opened  upon  U3 
with  small  arms,  when  I  received  orders  to  move  ray  pieces  from  the 
field.  I  did  so  in  good  order,  losiug  nothing  in  our  whole  operation 
but  one  wheel  and  two  horses,  which  I  was  compelled  to  leave. 

I  am  greatly  indebted  to  Lieutenants  Carpenter  and  ^IcKendree,  for 
their  assistance  during  the  whole  engagement,  as  also  to  Messrs. 
Lamlin  and  Fanerdon,  two  of  my  gunners,  for  their  coolness  and  the 
accuracy  with  which  they  aimed  their  respective  pieces. 

My  men,  generally,  acted  and  performed  their  duty  well,  and  like 
men. 

We  had  forty-eight  men  engaged. 

Very  respectfully  submitted, 

JOS.  CARPENTER, 
Captain  commanding  battery. 


RErORT  OF  CAPTAIN  WATERS. 

Camp  Buchanan,  March  28,  1862. 
AOjutant  General  R.  J.  Wingate  : 

I  have  the  honor  to  submit  below  report  of  the  part  ray  company 
pertained  in  the  engagement  with  the  enemy  on  Sunday  evening, 
March  23,  1862: 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  our  forces  upon  tire  field,  I  was  ordered 
to  proceed  with  my  battery  to  a  high  ridge  on  the  left  of  the  Valley 
turnpike,  and  running  parallel  with  the  one  occupieil  by  the  forces  of 
the  enemy.  In  order  to  reach  this  position,  the  battery  was  compelled  to 
cross  a  long,  low  meadow,  completely  commanded  by  the  enemy's  guns, 
who  poured  upon  us  an  incessant  fire  of  shell  and  shot.  While  cross- 
ii;g  this  open  valley,  one  driver  and  four  other  privates  of  the  piece 
were  struck  and  knocked  down  by  fragments  of  shell,  which 
somewhat  retarded  the  rapid  movement  of  one  section  of  the  battery, 
rioceeding  forward  as  rapidly  as  the  wearied  condition  of  the  teams 
8.nd  nature  of  the  ground  would  permit,  I  brought  my  battery  into  po- 
Biticn  on  the  ridge  above  named,  and  opened  fire  upon  the  enemy.  Main- 
tj'.iuing  this  position,  a  heavy  cannonading  was  kept  up  for  nearly  three 
hours,  when  the  enemy  under  cover  of  the  thick  woods  and  a  high 
atone  wall,  which  skirted  our  left,  advanced  his  infantry  to  within  a 
very  short  distance  of  our  position,  (unperceived,)  and  commenced  a 
rapid  discharge  of  musketry  upon  the  men  working  the  pieces.  Owing 
to  their  position  and  the  nature  of  the  ground,  I  found  it  impossible 
to  do  them  any  damage  with  artillery,  and  perceiving  them  pressing 
us  closely,  I  deemed  it  prudent  to  retire  from  the  position,  then  evi- 
dently impossible  for  me  to  hold. 

I  regret  to  have  to  state  here  thjj-t  just  as  one  piece  of  my  battery 
was  being  limbered  up  and  hastening  from  the  field,  one  of  the  horses 
attached  to  the  piece  was  shot  by  a  musket  ball  and  killed,  and  the 
[iece  overturned.  Sergeant  Charles  S.  Arnall,  who  had  charge  of 
this  piece,  after  making  every  exertion  to  bring  it  off,  was  compelled 
to.  abandon  it,  cutting  loose  the  three  remaining  horses  and  bring- 
ing them  away,  although  the  enemy  had  by  this  time  reached  the 
stune  fence  on  our  left,  not  more  than  fifty  paces  distant. 

In  retiring  from  the  position  on  the  ridge,  a  caisson  of  one  of  the 
pieces  (already  broken,  )  became  so  badly  damaged  as  to  be  immova- 
ble, and  had  to  be  abandoned. 

The  casualties  occuring  with  my  company  during  the  engagement 
are  as  follows : 

Privates  Thomas  IT.  Bryan,  wounded  in  leg  by  fragment  of  shell ; 
Pv,  E.  Trenary,  J..  N.  Ryan,  .Tames  0.  Ilobbs  and  George  W.  Swope, 
struck  and  knocked  down  by  shell.  Sergeant  Charles  S.  Arnall, 
struck  in  the  side  with  minnie  musket  ball.  Corporal  James  W.  Bare, 
shoulder  'dislocated  by  wheel  of  piece  overturning.  Total  number 
wounded  seventeen,  killed  none. 


57 

While  I  greatly  regret  the  loss  of  the  one  gun  and  caisson,  1  am 
pleased  to  be  ablq,  to  report  that  the  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates  of  my  company,  while  under  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's 
guns,  fired  these  their  first  shots  with  a  coolness  and  precision  highly 
gratifying  to  rae,  and  with  evident  effect  and  damage  to  the  enemy. 
1  was  assisted  only  by  one  commissioned  officer,  first  Lieutenant  J. 
C.  Marquis,  who  performed  his  duty  with  judgment  and  bravery,  sec- 
ond Lieutenant  T.  J.  Burke  being  absent  as  recruiting  officer,  third 
Lieutenant  William  Blackburn  absent  on  sick  furlough. 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain.  General, 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

'JAMES  H.  WATERS, 
Captain  commanding   W.  A.  A. 

Officers.     Nor.-conimis^d  Officers.     Privates     Total     Aggngaf". 
2  '  3  80  88  90 


Whole  nu&ber  engaged,  ninety. 


J.  H.  WATERS, 
Captain   W.  A.  A 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  RONALD. 

Camt  Buchanai*,  Virginia, 
Headquarters  Fourth  Regiment   Tirginiu   Volunteers. 

Ciiptain  R.  J.  Wingate, 

Assistant  Adjutant   General  First  Brigade  : 

Sir  :  The  following  report  of  the  battle  of  the  Valley,  near  Kerns- 
town,  on  Sunday,  the  23r(l  instant,  bo  far  as  the  fourth  regiment  was 
connected  with  it,  is  respectfully  submitted. 

On  Saturday  morning,  the  22nd,  the  regiment  left  camp,  near 
Mount  Jackson,  and  marched  to  Cedar  creek,  below  Strasburg,  a 
distance  of  twenty-six  miles.  The  roads  were  very  muddy,  which 
made  the  march  more  fatiguing  than  it  otherwise  would  have  been. 
Rested  at  Cedar  creek  all  night,  and  on  Sunday  nforning,  the  23rd 
instant,  took  up  ihe  line  of  march  towards  Winchester.  "When  about 
one  mile  below  Newtown  filed  to  the  left,  leaving  the  turnpike. 
When  about  half  a  mile  north  of  the  road,  I  was  directed  to  form  the 
regiment  in  line  of  battle  with  tlie  second.  1  ^vas  soon  directed  to 
change  this  position  and  form  on  the  left  of  the  twenty-seventh,  in 
the  meantime  advancing  gradually  towards  the  right  wing  of  the 
enemy's  line. 

I  was  then  directed  to  move  the  regiment  in  line  of  battle  across 
an  open  field,  and  to  cover  as  much  space  as  possible.  This  exposed 
the  regiment  to  the  view  of  the  enemy.  I  remained  in  this  field 
about  ten  minutes,  and  was  ordered  to  change  directions  and  occupy 
a  position  in  the  woods,  and  move  directly  towards  Kernstown. 
Here  the  regiment  remained  for  some  twenty-five  or  thirty  minutes, 
where  it  wtis  exposed  to  the  shells  from  the  enemy's  guns. 

The  firing  was  so  heavy  at  this  point  that  my  horse  became  un- 
governable and  ran  away  with  me,  hurting  me  very  much. 

Here  Major  Pendleton  assumed  command  and  marched  the  regiment 
to  the  extreme  left,  where  the  infantry  were  engaged. 

Men  never  behaved  better  than  did  the  men  of  the  fourth  regiment. 
Major  Pendleton  and  Adjutant  Langhorne  acted  well  their  parts.  I 
could  mention  others,  but  all  acted  (officers  and  men)  so  nobly  that  I 
cannot  mention  one  without  bringing  myself  under  obligations  to 
mention  all.  I  mention  Major  Pendleton  and  Adjutant  Langhorne 
merely  because  they  were  more  conspiouous  in  command  of  the 
regiment. 

CASUALTIES. 

C.  Officers.  N.   C.  Officers.  Privates.  Total. 

Killed ■ 5  5 

Wounded,  present 2                 16  18 

Wounded,  missing 1                    4  5 

Missing.... .'6                            4                 38  48 

Total 6  7  65  76 


59 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  missing  commissioned  officers : 
Captain  Morrison,  company  I ;  Lieutenant  Lyle,  Company  1 ;  Lieu- 
tenant Barker,  company  H;  Lieutenant  Boyd,  company  C;  Adjutant 
Langhorne,  Lieutenant  Wade,  company  G. 

I  take  pleasure  in  bearing  testimony  to  the  promptness  and  effi- 
ciency of  Dr.  Black,  surgeon,  who  rendered  good  service  during  the 
engagement. 

CHARLES  A.  RONALD, 
Lieut.  Col.  commanding  Fourth  Virginia  Regiment. 

P.  S. — The  regiment  numbered  two  hundred  and  three,  rank  and 
file,  when  the  engagement  commenced. 


EXHIBIT  A. 

Bfferrcd  to  in  report  of  Lmitenant  Colonel  Pat  ton. 

Headquarters  Twenty-first  Reg't.  Ya.  Volunteers, 

March  25,   1862. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  John  M.  Patton,  Jr.  : 

Under  instructions  from  hea(l(5[uarter9,  the  following  report  of  the 
casualties  in  the  twent^'-first  Virginia  volunteers,  in  the  battle  of  the 
twenty-third  of  March,  is  made  : 

Company  A. — Two  commissioned  officers,  four  non-comraissioned 
officers,  and  twenty-four  privates  engaged.  Sergeant  J.  W.  Hamlet, 
killed ;  corporal  J.  B.  Brewer,  privates  John  W.  Foster  and  Robert 
S.  Covington,  wounded  ;  none  missing. 

Company  B. — Two  officers,  six  non-commissioned  officers,  and  thir*- 
teen  privates  engaged.  Private  T.  Stapelton  Carroll,  severely  woun- 
ded and  left  'on  the  field,  believed  mortally;  private  James  Close,  se- 
verely wounded  in  the  leg  ;  private  James  GreenwcU,  wounded  in  the 
l^g ;  corporal  E.  P.  Rogers,  wounded  in  the  shoulder. 

Company  C. — Two  officers,  five  non-commissioned  officers,  ;ind  twen- 
ty privates  engaged.  Lieutenant  T.  S.  Ames,  slightly  wounded;  cor- 
poral C.  P.  Coleman,  mortally  wounded,  and  left  in  a  house  a  mile 
beyond  Newtown;  T.  II.  Puryear,  J.  A.  Garner,  slightly  wounded; 
private  James  Cumby,  slightly  wounded;  private  J.  J.  Evans,  mor- 
tally wounded,  and  left  on  the  field  ;  private  J.  F.   Cumby,  missing. 

Company  ]J. — Three  officers,  three  non-commissioned  officers,  and 
twenty-six  privates  engaged.  Lieut.  A.  C.  Page,  slightly  wounded  ; 
sergeant  James  C.  Shepard,  slight  flesh  wound  on  the  hand ;  sergeant 
Henry  Scruggs,  severely  wounded,  and  left  in  Newtown  ;  corporal 
Charles  N.  Flippin,  severely  wouraded,  leg  broken,  and  left  on  the 
field  ;  John  C.  Ilazlegrove,  slightly  wounded  ;  private  Lucius  S.  Dow- 
dy, severe  flesh  wound  in  the  leg;  private  John  John  G.  Dowdy, 
slight  flesh  wound  in  th3  check;  private  Richard  E.  Flippin,  slight 
wound  on  the  wrist ;  private  R.  S.  Iludgins,  severe  flesh  wound 
in  the  leg  ;  Louis  Mahi,  severely,  and  believed  mortally  wounded,  and 
left  on  the  field ;  private  Thomas  J.  Whilton,  slight  flesh  wound  on 
the  hand ;  Meredith  Anderson,  missing.  . 

Cofnpany  E. — One  officer,  six  non-commissioned  officers,  and  twenty 
privates  engaged.  Private  James  M.  Spencer,  wounded  in  leg  se- 
verely, and  left  in  Newtown ;  private  Wm.  S.  Iludgins,  slightly 
wounded  by  shell  on.the  head  ;  private  Wm.  II.  Patterson,  missing. 

Company  F. — Two  officers,  five  non-commissioned  officers,  and  for- 
ty-one privates  engaged.  Sorgeant  Randolph,  wounded  in  belly; 
privates  H.  V.  Danforth,  W.^T.  Gibson,  S.  Gray,  slightly  wounded; 
privates  J.  N.  Nunnally,  wounded  in  the  head  ;  H.  V,  Picot,  wounded 
in  the  back  ;  G.  II.  Rennie,  in  neck  ;  C.'E.  Taylor,  slightly  wounded  ; 
E..  B  Taylor,  in  back. 

Company  G. — One   officer,   three   noa-comraissioned   officers,    aud 


61 

twenty-one  privates  engaged.  Lieut.  J.  T.  Weaver,  severe  wound  in 
thigh ;  sergeant  T.  J.  Earner,  slight  wound  in  arm  ;  private  R.  H. 
Pearson,  severely  wounded  in  head,  left  on  the  field ;  privates  L.  T. 
Pearson  and  J.  H.  Wright,  missing. 

Company  H. — Two  officers,  four  non-commissioned  officers,  and 
twenty-two  privates  engaged.  Corporal  John  A.  Younger,  slightly 
wounded  ;  priyatea  Wm.  S.  Adams  and  James  W.  Blanks,  killed ; 
privates  Alonzo  East  and  John  R.  Shields,  slightly  wounded. 

Company  I. — One  officer,  two  non-commissioned  officers,  and  si.x- 
teen  privates  engaged.  Lieutenant  John  Witcher,  missing  ;  private 
George  H.  Clement,  wounded  ;  privates  John  B.  Gardner,  Jas.  L. 
Witcher,  wounded,  missing;  D.  W.  Hawkins,  missing;  Jno.  Wells, 
killed. 

Company  K. — Two  officers,  five  non-commissioned  officers,  and  ten 
men  engaged.  Sergeant  John  Burke,  corporal  Thrograorton,  and 
private  John  H.  Bruff,  wounded:  W.  B.  Jeffress,  severety  wounded, 
and  left  in  Newtown  ;  John  C.  Featherston,  slightly  wounded. 

Summary  of  casualties.-^-Thrce  commissioned  officers  wounded ;  one 
commissioned  officer  wounded  and  missin"!- ;  one  non-commissioned 
officer  killed,  and  ten  wounded  ;  thirty  privates  wounded,  nine  miss- 
ing, and  six  killed.     Total,  sixty  killed,  wounded,  and  missing. 

Lieutenant  Robert  C.  Noonan,  of  Frederick  City,  Maryland,  who 
attached  himself  to  company  B  of  this  regiment,  was  killed  while 
gallantly  cheering  on  his  men.  ^ 

In  the  battle  of  the  twenty-third  of  March,  there  were  twenty-two 
officers,  forty-three  non-commissioned  officers,  and  two  htindrod  and 
five  privates,  of  the  twenty-first  regiment  of  Virginia  volunteers,  en- 
gaged. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

W.  n.  MORGAN, 
Adjutant  twenty-first  reglm,ent  Virginia  voluntars. 


STATEMENT  OF  COLONEL  PATTON. 

Ueadquarters  Twenty-first  Reu't.  Va.  Volunteers, 

April  7,  1862. 

Colonel  Jno.  a.  Campbell, 

Commanding  second  [late  third)  brigade, 

Army  of  the  Valley  : 
Colonel:  Since  my  report  of  the  battle  of  the  23d  ultimo  was 
written,  I  have  had  a  conversation  with  an  officer  of  Colonel  Echols' 
regiment ;  and  from  the  facts  stated  by  him  I  am  led  to  fear  that  some 
seeming,  though  unintentional,  injustice  to  that  regiment  may  be  done 
by  a  portion  of  the.  language  I  use.  To  prevent  the  possibility  of 
such  a  thitig,  I  beg  leave  to  amend  it  as  in  the  annexed  statement, 
and  request  that  tlie  same  may  be  forwarded,  and  the  report  altered 
in  these  particulars. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  M.  PATTON,  Jr., 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  twenty-frst  regH.  Va.  vols. . 

On  second  page  of  the  report,  instead  of  the  words  "  This  occurred 
very  soon,"  insert :  *'  Very  soon  after,  a  considerable  body  of  our 
men,  whom  I  took  to  be  Colonel  Echols'  regiment,  or  a  portion  of  it, 
fell  back  ;^  and  on  same  page,  **  Meantime  a  large  portion  of  Colonel 
Echols'  regiment,"  insert :  **  Meantime  the  troops  who  fell  back," 
rallied,^  kc. 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  in  Lieutenant  Colonel  Langhorne's  forty- 
second  regiment  Virginia  voluntters,  Colonel  Jesse  S.  Burkes  brigade, 
engaged  at  Kernstown,  near  Winchester,  Va.,  March  23,  1862. 

Colonel  Jesse  S.  Burk, 

Commanding  brigade  : 

Company  A. — Lieutenant  Burgess  commanding.  Wounded  slightly, 
Lieutenant  John  W,  Crctz ;  private  Peter  F.  Frazier,  severely  woun- 
ded ;  private  Winston  Watkins,  missing. 

Company  B — Captain  Henry  Lane,  commanding.  Corporal  James 
H.  Payne  and  private  Otey  T.  Read,  severely  wounded  and  missing; 
privates  Wm.  11.  Whiteneck  and  Ambrose  Bryant,  severely  wounded  ; 
corporal  George  S.  King  and  private  Charles  Hall,  slightly  wounded ; 
private  Jonathan  J.  Smith,  missing. 

Company  C — Captain  John  Buford  commanding.  Slightly  wound- 
ed, Captain  John  Buford,  in  leg  ;  Lieutenant  David  W.  Carrett,  in 
breast ;  private  Thomas  Wifiiams,  in  thigh.  Severely  wounded,  Ben- 
jamin D.  Crouch,  in  shoulder  and  jaw;  wounded  and  missing.  Color 
corporal  W.  T.  Jones  ;  fell  on  the  field  and  supposed  killed,  privates 
Wm.  Dooly,  Jr.,  and  Wm.  H.  Vest ;  missing,  sergeant  Robert  Wil- 
liams, privates  Paschal  N.  Grey,  Thomas  D.  Pollard. 

Company  D — Lieutenant  Spriggs  commanding.  Supposed  killed, 
James  Field;  severely  wounded,  corporal  Samuel  W.  Ewart  and  pri- 
vate T.  Wilson;  slightly  wounded,  sergeant  T.  A,  Foster  .and  private 
John  M.  Dooley. 

Company  E — Lieutenant  Pursinger  commandipg.  Wounded  in  arm, 
orderly  sergeant  John  M.  Evans  ;  in  hand,  sergeant  Wm.  McCauly  ; 
in  face,  John  Airheart  and  John  Shrewsburg ;  in  hip,  J.  D,  Shrews- 
burg  and  J.  P.  Edington  ;  in  arm,  Wm.  P.  Taylor;  in  foot,  Wm. 
Smith;  in  side,  supposed  mortally,  D.  M.  Worts;  missing,  privates 
S.  P.  Reynolds  and  M.  Hall. 

Company  F — Captain  Wingfield  commanding.  Killed,  private  John 
Jenkins  ;  wounded,  Lieutenant  Thomas  J.  King,  slightly  ;  Lieutenant 
J.  H.  H.  Gravely,  severely :  corporal  Thomas  S.  Stully,  severely  ; 
privates  John  W.  Terry  and  A,  J.  Winn,  slightly. 

Company  G — Captain  W.  W.  Morriss  commanding.  Supposed  mor- 
tally wounded  and  missing.  Captain  W.  W,  Morriss  and  corporal  N, 
Phillpot ;  wonnded,  orderly  sergeant  T.  S.  M.tchell,  privates  J.  T. 
Ingram  and  E.  K.  Harris,  slightly. 

Company  H — Captain  John  E.  Renn  commanding.  Supposed  killed, 
private  N.  M.  Scales  ;  wounded,  Peter  M.  Dalton,  severely  ;  Wm.  H. 
Hatcher,  Israel  T.  Harriss,  and  Peter  D.  Gilly,  slightly. 

Company  I — Captain  W.  B.  Rector  commanding.  Supposed  killed, 
Captain  W.  B.  Rector,  orderly  Sergeant  H.  W.  Brown,  and  private 
M.  H.  Hendrick  ;  wounded,  corporal  R.  L.  Carson  and  private  Sam. 
W.  Clay,  severely ;  sergeant  J.  W.  Shearer,  elightly ;  missing,  ser- 
geant John  D.  Nowlin,  privates  B.  G.  Hubbard  and  John  Read. 
•  Company  K — Captain  Samuel  Hale  commanding.     Killed,  privates 


64 

T.  F.  Arthur,  G.  W.  Hill,  and  S.  M.  Rctter  ;  wounded  and  missing, 
corporal   S.    M.   Trump;  wounded,    sergeant   A.    Ilodgers,    privates' 
ilayncs  and  corporal  M.  M.  Tell,  severely ;  privates  J.  W.  Hensely 
and  R.  D.  Metes,  slightly. 

RePDCctfully  submitted. 

D.  A.  LANGIIORNE, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding  regiment. 


i:»^'  'i:' 


BATTLE  OF  MCDOWELL. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON. 


Headquarters  Second  Corps,  A,  N.  V.,  ) 
March  9,  1863.      \ 
Brigadier  General  R.  H.  Chilton,  A.  A.  Sf  I.  G., 

Headquarters  Second  Corps,  A.  N.  V.  : 

General  :  I  forward  herewith  my  official  report  of  the  battle  of 
McDowell,  on  the  Sth  of  May,  1862. 

I  am,  General,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON, 
Lieutenant  General. 


Headquarters  Second  Corps,  A.  N.  V,, 
March  7,  1863. 
■  Brigadier  General  R.  H,  Chilton,  A.  A.  ^  L  G., 

Headquarters  Division  Northern  Virginia  : 
General  :  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  submit  to  you  a  report  of 
the  operations  of  my  command  in  the  battle  of  McDowell,  Highland 
county,  Va.,  on  the  Sth  of  May,  1662  : 

After  the  battle  of  Kernstown,  I  retreated  in  the  direction  of  Har- 
risonburg. My  rear  guard,  comprising  Ashby's .  cavalry.  Captain 
Chew'^battery,  and  from  time  to  time  other  forces,  was  placed  under 
the  direction  of  Colonel  Turner  Ashby — an  officer  whose  jud foment, 
coolness  and  courage  eminently  qualified  him  for  the  delicate  and  im- 
portant task. 

Although  pursued  by  a  greatly  superior  force,  under  General  Banks, 

we  were  enabled  to  halt  for  more  than  a  fortnight  in  the  vicinity  of 

Mount  Jackson.     After  reaching  Harrisonburg,  we  turned  towards 

the  Blue  Ridge,  and  on  the  19th  of  April  crossed  the  south  fork  of  the 

5 


66 

Shenandoah,  and  took  pasition  between  that  river  and  Swift  run  gap, 
in  Elk  run  valley. 

General  R.  S.  Ewell,  having  been  directed  to  join  my  command, 
left  the  vicinity  of  Gordonsvilie,  and  on  the  SOth  arrived  with  his 
division  west  of  the  Blue  Ridge.  The  main  body  of  General  Banks' 
pursuing  army  did  not  proceed  further  south  than  the  vicinity  of  Ilar- 
risonburo' ;  but  a  considerable  force,  under  the  command  of  General 
Milroy,  was  moving  towards  Staunton,  from  the  direction  of  Monte- 
rev,  and,  as  I  satisfactorily  learned,  part  of  it  had  already  crossed  to 
the  ciTSt  of  the  Shenandoah  mountain,  and  was  encamped  not  far  from 
the  Harrisonburg  and  Warm  Spring  turnpike.  The  positions  of  those 
two  P'ederal  armies  were  now  such  that,  if  left  unmolested,  they  could 
readily  form  a  junction  on  the  roal  just  named,  and  move  with  their 
united  forces  against  Staunton. 

At  this  time,  Brigadier  General  Edward  Johnson,  with  his  troops, 
was  near  BuflFalo  Gap,  west  of  Staunton  ;  so  that,  if  the  enemy  was 
allowed  to  effect  a  junction,  it  would  possibly  be  followed  not  only  by 
the  seizure  of  a  point  so  important  as  Staunton,  but  must  compel  Gen- 
eral Johnson  to  abandon  his  position,  and  they  might  succeed  in  get- 
ting between  us.  To  avoid  these  results,  I  determined,  if  practica- 
ble, after  strengthening  my  own  division  by  a  union  with  Johnson's, 
first  to  strike  at  Milroy,  and  then  to  concentrate  the  forces  of  Ewell, 
Johnson,  and  my  own,  against  Banks.  To  carry  out  my  design 
against  Milroy,  General  Ewell  Mas  directed  to  march  his  division  to 
the  position  which  I  then  occupied,  in  Elk  run  valley,  with  a  view  to 
holding  Banks  in  check,  whilst  I  pushed  on  with  my  division  to  Staun- 
ton- These  movements  werfe  made.  At  Staunton  I  found,  according 
to  previous  arrangements,  Major  General  Smith,  of  the  Virginia  Mil- 
itary Institute,  with  the  corps  of  cadets,  ready  to  co-operate  in  the 
defence  of  that  portion  of  the  Valley. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7th  of  May,  General  Johnson,  Avhose  famil- 
iarity with  that  mountain  regiom,  and  whose  high  qualities  as  a  soldier 
admirably  fitted  him  for  the  advance,  moved  with  his  command  in  the 
direction  of  the  enemy,  followed  by  the  brigades  of  General  Talia- 
ferro, Colonel  Campbell,  and  General  Winder,  in  the  order  named. 
Encountering  the  enemy's  advance  near  the  point  where  the  Staunton 
and  Parkershurg  turnpike  intersects  the  Harrisonburg  and  Warm 
Spring  turnpike.  General  Johnson  pressed  forward.  The  Federals 
rapidly  retreated,  abandoning  their  baggage  at  Rodgers'  and  other 
points  east  of  the  Shenandoah  mountain. 

After  the  advance  had  reached  the  western  base  of  the  Shenandoah 
mountain,  the  troops  bivouacked  for  the  night.  On  the  following 
morning  the  march  was  resumed,  General  Johnson's  brigade  still  in 
■  front.  The  head  of  the  column  was  halted  near  the  top  of  th?  Bull 
Pasture  mountain,  and  General  Johnson,  accompanied  by  a  party  of 
thirty  men  and  several  oflEicers,  with  a  view  to  a  reconnoisance  of  the 
enemy's  position,  ascended  Settlington's  hill,  an  isolated  spur  of  the 
Bull  Pasture  mountain,  on  the  left  of  the  turnpike,  and  commanding 
a  full  view  of  the  village  of  McDowell.  From  this  point  the  position 
and,  to  some  extent,  the  strength  of  the  enemy  could  be  seen.     In 


67 

tke  valley  in  which  McDowell  is  located  was  observed  a  considerable 
force  of  infantry.  To  the  right,  on  a  height,  were  two  regiments,  but 
too  distant  for  an  effective  fire  lo  that  point.  Almost  a  mile  in  front 
was  a  battery  supported  by  infantry.  The  enemy,  observing  the  re- 
connoitering  party,  sent  out  a  small  body  of  skirmishers,  which  was 
promptly  met  by  the  men  with  General  Johnson.  Seven  regiments 
were  sent  to  him.  The  fifty -second  Virginia  regiment  being  the  first 
to  reach  the  ground,  was  posted  on  the  left  as  skirmishers,  and  it  was 
not  long  before  they  were  engaged  in  a  brisk  encounter  with  the 
enemy's  skirmishers,  whom  they  handsomely  repulsed.  Soon  after 
this  three  other  regiments  arrived,  and  were  posted  as  follows:  The 
twelfth  Georgia  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  forming  the  centre  of  our 
line  ;  the  fifty-eighth  Virginia  on  the  left,  to  support  the  fifty-second; 
and  the  forty-fourth  on  the  right,  near  a  ravine. 

Milroy  having  during  the  day  been  reinforced  by  General  Schenck,. 
determined  to  carry  the  hill,  if  possible,  by  a  direct  attack.  Advan- 
cing in  force  along  its  western  slope,  protected  in  his  advance  by  the 
character  of  the  ground  and  the  wood  interposed  in  our  front,  and 
driving  our  skirmishers  before  him,  he  emerged  from  the  wood  and 
poured  a  galling  fire  into  our  right,  and  an  animated  contest  was  kept 
up  for  some  time,  when  the  two  remaining  regiments  of  Johnson's 
brigade  (twenty  fifth  and  thirty-first)  coming  up,  they  were  posted  to 
the  right.  The  fire  was  now  rapid  and  well  sustained  on  both  sides, 
and  the  conflict  fierce  and  sanguinary.  In  ascending  the  crest  of  the 
hill  from  the  turnpike,  the  troops  had  to  pass  to  the  left  through  the- 
wood  by  a  narrow  and  rough  route.  To  prevent  the  possibility  of  the 
enemy's  advancing  along  the  turnpike,  and  seizing  the  point  where 
the  troops  left  the  road  to  ascend  the  hill,  the  thirty-first  Virginia 
regiment  was  posted  between  that  point  and  the  town,  and  when  or-- 
dered  to  join  its  brigade  in  action,  its  place  was  supplied  by  the  twea- 
ty-first  Virginia  regiment. 

The  engagement  had  now  not  only  become  general  along  the  whole 
line,  but  so  intense  that  I  ordered  General  Taliaferro  to  the  support 
of  General  Johnson.     Accordingly,  the  twenty-third  and  thirty-sev- 
enth  Virginia  regiments  were   advanced  to  the   centz'e  of  the  line, 
which  was  then  held  by  the  twelfth  Georgia  with  heroic  gallantry, 
and  the  tenth  Virginia  was  ordered  to   support  the  fifty- second  Vir- 
ginia, whioh  had  already  driven  the  enemy  from  the  left,  and  had  now 
advanced  to  make  a  flank  movement  on  him.     At  this  time  the  Fede- 
rals were  pressing  forward  in  strong  force  on  our  extreme  right;  with. 
a  view  of  flanking  that  position.     This  movement  of  the  enemy  was 
speedily  detected  and  met  by  General  Taliaferro's  brigade  and  the 
twelfth  Georgia,  with  great  promptitude.     Further  to  check  it,  por-- 
tions  of  the  twenty-fifth  and  thirty-first  Virginia  regiments  were  sent: 
to  occupy  an  elevated  piece  of  woodland  on   our  right  and  rear,  so 
situated  as  to  fully  command  the  position  of  the  enemy.     The  brigade 
commanded  by  Colonel  Campbell  coming  up  about  this  time,  was,  to- 
gether with  the  tenth  Virginia,  ordered' down  the  ridge  into  the  woods- 
to  guard   against  movements   against  our  right  flank,  which  they,  in. 
connexion  with  the  other  force,  effectually  prevented. 


68 

The  battle  lasted  about  four  hours,  from  half-past  four  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  until  half-past  eight.  Erery  attempt  by  front  or  flank 
movement  to  attain  thee  rest  of  the  hill,  where  our  line  -was  for.med, 
va.s  signally  and  effectually  repulsed.  Finally,  after  dark,  their 
force  ceased  firing  and  the  enemy  retired.  The  enemy's  artillery, 
posted  on  a  hill  in  our  front,  was  active  in  throwing  shot  and  shell  up 
to  the  period  when  the  infantry  fight  commenced,  but  in  consequence  • 
of  the  great  angle  of  elevation  at  which  they  fired  and  our  sheltered 
position,  they  inflicted  no  loss  upon  our  troops.  Our  own  artillery 
was  not  brought  up,  there  beiog  no  road  to  the  rear  by  which  our 
guns  could  be  withdrawn  in  event  of  disaster,  and  the  prospect  of  suc- 
cessfully using  them  did  not  compensate  for  the  risk. 

General  Johnson,  to  whom  I  had  entrusted  the  management  of  the 
troops  engaged,  proved  himself  eminently  worthy  of  the  confidence 
reposed  in  him,  by  the  skill,  gallantry,  and  presence  of  mind,  which 
he  displayed  on  the  occasion.  Having  received  a  wound  near  the 
close  of  the  engagement,  which  compelled  him  to  leave  the  field,  he 
turned  over  the  command  to  General  Taliaferro.  During  the  night 
the  Federals  made  a  hurried  retreat  towards  Franklin,  in  Pendleton 
county,  leaving  their  dead  upon  the  field.  Before  doing  so,  however, 
they  succeeded  in  destroying  most  of  their  ammunition,  camp  equip- 
age, and  commissary  stores,  which  they  could  not  remove. 

OQjcial  reports  show  n  loss  in  this  action  of  seventy-one  (71)  killed 
and  three  hundred  and  ninety  (^90)  wounded,  making  a  total  loss  of 
four  hundred  and  sixty-one.  Among  the  killed  was  Colonel  Gibbons, 
of  the  tenth  Virginia  regiment.  Colonel  Ilarraan,  fifty-second  ;  Colo- 
nel Smith  and  Major  Iligginbotham,  of  the  twenty-fifth,  and  Major 
•  Campbell,  of  the  forty-second  Virginia,  were    among    the  wounded. 

To  prevent  Banks  from  reinforcing  Milroy,  Mr,  J.  Hotchkiss,  who 
was  on  topographical  duty  with  the  army,  proceeded  with  a  party  to 
blockade  the  roads  through  North  river  and  Dry  river  gaps,  whilst  a 
detachment  of  cavalry  obstructed  the  road  through  Brock's  gap.  As 
the  Federals  continued  to  fight  until  night  and  retreated  before  morn- 
ing, but  few  of  their  number  were  captured.  Besides  quartermaster 
and  commissary  stores,  some  arras  and  other  ordnance  stores  fell  into 
our  hands. 

Dr.  Hunter  McGuire,  my  medical  director,  managed  his  department 
admirably.  Lieutenant  Hugh  W.  Lee,  chief  of  ordnance,  rendered 
valuable  assistance  in  seeing  my  instructions  respecting  the  manner 
in  which  the  troops  should  go  into  action,  faithfully  carried  out,  I 
regret  to  say  that  during  the  action  he  was  so  seriously  wounded  as 
to  render  it  necessary  for  him  to  leave  the  field.  First  Lieutenant 
A  S,  Pendleton,  A.  D.  C. ;  First  Lieutenant  J,  K,  Boswell,  chief 
engineer,  and  Second  Lieutenant  R.  K.  Meade,  assistant  chief  of  ord- 
nance, were  actively  engaged  in  transmitting  orders.  Previous  to 
ithe  battle  the  enemy  had  such  complete  control  of  the  pass  through 
^hich  our  artillery  would  have  to  pass,  if  it  continued  to  advance  on 
the  direct  road  to  McDowell,  that  1  determined  to  postpone  the  attack 
until  the  morning  of  the  9th.  Owing  to  the  action  having  been 
brought  on  by  Milroy's  advancing  to  the  attack  on  the  8th,  Major  R. 


69 

S.  Dabney,  A,  A.  General,  was  not  with  me  during  the  engagement. 
Major  J.  A.  Harman,  chief  quartermaster,  and  Major  ^Y.  J.  Hawks, 
chief  commissary,  had  their  departments  in  good  condition.  Leaving 
Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  T.  S.  Preston,  witl^a  detachment  of  cadets  and 
a  small  body  of  cavalry,  in  charge  of  the  prisoners  and  public  prop- 
erty, the  main  body  of  the  army,  preceded  by  Captain  George  Sheets, 
with  his  cavalry,  pursued  the  retreating  Federals  to  the  vicinity  of 
Franklin,  but  succeeded  in  capturing  only  a  few  prisoners  and  stores 
along  the  lin-e  of  march.  The  junction  between  Banks  and  Milroy 
iiaving  been  prevented,  and  becoming  satisfied  of  the  impracticability 
of  capturing  the  defeated  enemy,  owing  to  the  mountainous  charac- 
ter of  the  country  being  favorable  for  a  retreating  army  to  make  its 
escape,  I  determined,  as  the  enemy  had  made  another  stand  at  Frank- 
lin, with  a  prospect  of  being  soon  reinforced,  that  I  would  not  attempt 
to  press  farther,  but  return  to  the  open  country  of  the  Shenandoaji 
valley,  hoping,  through  the  blessing  of  Providence,  to  defeat  Banks 
before  he  should  receive  reinforcements.  On  Thursday,  the  loth, 
the  army,  after  divine  service,  for  the  purpose  of  rendering  thanks 
to  God  for  the  victory  with  which  He  had  blessed  us  and  to  Implore 
His  continued  favor,  began  to  retrace  its  course. 

Great  praise  is  due  to  the  officers  and  men  for  their  conduct  in 
action  and  on  the  march.  Though  Colonel  Crutchfield,  chief  of  artil- 
lery, did  not  have  an  opportunity  of  bringing  his  command  into 
action  on  the  8th,  it  Avas  used  with  effect  on  occasions  during  the 
expedition. 

My  special  thanks  are  due  Major  General  F.  H.  Smith  for  his  cor- 
dial and  patriotic  co-operation  during  the  expedition.  Colonel  T,  H. 
Williamson,  of  the  engineers,  rendered  valuable  service. 

For  further  information  respecting  the  engagement  and  those  who 
distinguished  themselves,  I  respectfully  refer  you  to  the  accompanying 
reports  of  brigade  and  other  commanders, 

I  am,  General,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON, 

Lieutenant  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GE^"ERAL    EDWARD  JOHNSON. 

Staunton,  May  17,   1SG2. 
Major  R.  L.  Dabney,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  folloAving  report  of  the  bat- 
tle of  McDowell,  which  took  place  between  the  forces  of  General  Mil- 
roy,  on  the  part  of  the  Federals,  and  a  portion  of  General  Jackson's 
forces,  under  my  immediate  command,  ou  the  afternoon  of  the  8th 
day  of  May,  1862: 

Early  in  the  day,  being  in  advance  with  ray  brigade,  I  reached  Sett- 
lington  hill,  fronting  McDowell,  and  to  the  left  of  the  pike  nbout  one 
and  a  half  or  two  miles  distant^.  The  troops  having  been  halted  upon 
the  top  of  the  Bull  Pasture  mountain  about  two  miles  back,  with  a 
party  of  thirty  men  and  several  officers,  I  rcconnoitered  the  enemy's 
position  in  the  valley  of  McDowell,  and  also  in  my  immediate  viciYiity, 
and  found  one  or  two  regiments  posted  on  the  right  on  a  high  hill,  and 
commanding  the  position  on  which  I  was,  but  at  very  long  distance. 
I  saw  the  enemy  in  McDowell  posted  in  various  positions,  but  such  as 
could  be  commanded  by  artillery. 

The  enemy  soon  threw  out  small  skirmishing  parties,  which  were  en- 
gaged by  our  men  and  driven  in.  I  then  sent  back  for  reinforcements, 
or  some  portion  of  my  brigade.  The  fifty-second  Virginia  regirpent 
first  came- up,  and  I  posted  it  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  hill,  as  skir- 
mishers, and  it  was  not  long  before  they  entered  upon  a  brisk  skirmish 
with  the  enemy,  repelling  them  and  driving  them  oft"  handsomely. 
Soon  after  the  forty-fourth  Virginia,  fifty-eighth  Virginia,  and  twelfth 
Georgia regimontscame  up,  and  were  posted  as  follows,  viz  :  the  twelfth 
Georgia  on  the  crest  of  the  hill  fronting  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  ; 
the  fifty- eighth  and  fifty-second  on  the  left,  and  the  forty-fourth  on 
the  right  near  a  ravine,  A  very  heavy  fire  was  opened  on  the  right 
between  half-past  four  and  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  at  which  time  I  was 
making  a  reconnoissance  on  the  hill,  on  the  right  of  the  position  of 
theforty-fourtli.  I  immediately  repaired  to  the  field,  and  a  very  sharp 
•fight  continued  for  some'  time,  when  the  tAventy-fifih  and  thirty-first 
Virginia  regiments  coming  up,  I  posted  them  on  the  right,  when  the 
iight  became  very  terrific,  my  men  holjing  the  line  upon  the  crest  of 
the  hill  and  driving  Imck  the  enemy  with  great  loss.  At  this  time, 
Gencri;l  Taliaferrro's  brigade  came  up,  the  twenty-third  and  thirty- 
seventh  Virginia  regiments  were  advanced  to  support  the  centre  of  our 
line,  which  was  occupied  by  the  twelfth  Georgia- regiment,  with  the 
most  heroic  gallantry  ;  the  tenth  Virginia  regiment  was  ordered  to 
fiupp(irt  the  fifty-second,  which  having  driven  the  enemy  from  the  left, 
T\-as  advanced  to  make  a  flank  movement  upon  him.  At  this  time  the  en- 
emy advanced  a  strong  column  on  the  extreme  right,  Avith  a  view  of  flank- 
ing our  position.  General  Taliaferro's  brigade,  with  the  twelfth  Georgia 
regiment,  met  this  movement  of  the  enemy  principally.  To  defeat  it, 
however,  I  ordered  several  companies  of. the  twenty-fifth  and  thirty- 
tSrst  regiments  to  a  position  in  the  elevated  wood  in  the  right  and  rear 


71 

of  our  position,  but  commanding  the  position  of  the  enemy.  Colonel 
Campbell's  brigade  coming  up  about  this  time,  were,  together  with 
the  tenth  Virginia  regiment,  ordered  down  the  ridge  in  the  woods,  t3 
prevent  a  flank  movement  of  the  enemy,  which   they  effectually  did. 

The  battle  raged  with  terrific  violence  from  about  half-past  four  to 
half-past  eight  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  enemy  all  the  time  playing  upon 
us  with  their  artillery. 

In  all  the  iattempts  of  the  enemy  to  advance  up  the  hill  they  were 
repulsed  by  the  gallantry  of  our  men,  with  very  great  slaughter. 
After  dark  the  fire  somewhat  ceased.  The  enemy  withdrew  from  the 
field  in  haste,  leaving  their  dead  unburied,  burnt  his  stores  at  Mc- 
Dowell, destroyed  large  quantities  of  ammunition,  camp  equipage, 
kc,  and  precipitately  retreated  in  the  direction  of  Franklin. 

■  In  consequence  of  a  wound  received  by  me  in  the  leg,  I  had  no 
part  in- the  affair  after  eight  o'clock,  P.  M.  Our  victory  was  com- 
plete. 

From  information  received,  the  loss  of  the  enemy  was  between  five 
hundred  and  one  thousand  killed  and  wounded.  Large  numbers  of 
their  dead  were  piled  in  various  places,  some  in  churches  and  other 
houses,  and  some  are  reported  to  have  been  burnt  up  in  the  house 
which  contained  their  commissary  stores. 

Being  compelled  to  leave  the  field  in  consequence  of  my  wound, 
and  not  havine;  received  brigade  and  regimental  reports,  I  have  no 
certain  data  of  my  loss,  but, I  do  not  believe  it  to  exceed  sixty  killed, 
and  two  hundred  wounded. 

The  brigade  commanders,  and  the  regiments  generally,  behaved 
with  remarkable  coolness  and  couiage. 

The  follovi'ing  named  officers,  commanding  brigade  and  regiments, 
I  would  mention  as  behaved  gallantly,  viz  : 

General  Taliaferro,  Colonel  Conner,  twelfth  Georgia  "regiment ; 
Colonel  Scott,  forty-fourth  Virginia  regiment;  Colonel  Campbell, 
forty-eighth  Virginia  regiment;  Colonel  Ilarman,  fifty- second  Vir- 
ginia regiment;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Boon,  fifty-eighth  Virginia  regi- 
ment. Major  Hawking,  twelfth  Georgia  regiment;  Colonel  Smith, 
twenty-fifth  Virginia  regiment;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Jackson,  thirty- 
first  Virginia  regiment;  Colonel  Taliaferro,  twenty-third  Virginia 
regiment ;  Colonel  Fulkersori,  thirty-seventh  Virginia  regiment ; 
Colonel  Gibbons,  tenth  Virginia  regiment,  and  Colonel  Hoffman, 
thirty-first  Virginia  regiment,  who,  though  sick,  repaired  to  the  field 
during  the  engagement  and  assum.ed  the  command  of  his  regimejjt. 
Colonel  Gibbons  of  the  tenth  Virginia  regiment,  fell  whilst  leading  his 
regiment  into  the  fight. 

Colonel  Harman,  of  the  fifty-second  Virginia  regiment,  was  wounded 
early  in  the  engagement,  but  did  not  leave  the  field.. 

Colonel  Smith  and  Major  Higginbothara,  of  the  twenty-fifth  Vir- 
ginia regiment,  were  wounded. 

To^my  medical  staff  I  am  greatly  indebted  for  the  efficiency  they 
displayed,  particularly  to  surgeon  R.  W.  Lunday,  the  medical  director 
of  my  forces,  for  his  zeal  and  activity  in  making  preparations  for  the 
removal  of  the  wounded  from  the  field,  and  attention  to  them  after- 


wards,  and  to  assistant  surgeons  Opie  and  Etheridge,  "whose  coolness 
and  efficiency  on  the  field  attracted  my  attention,  and  the  latter  of 
whom  was  severely  Nvounded. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Abner  Smead,  my  Assistant  Adjutant  General, 
and  Colonel  W.  II.  ITarman,  my  aid-de-camp,  behaved  most  gallantly 
throughout  the  action,  affording  me  great  assistance  in  rallying  the 
men  and  conveying  orders. 

Lieutenant  Edward  Willis,  one  of  my  aids,  I  had  placed  in  charge 
of  my  artillery  on  that  day,  and  he  was  consequently  not  in  the  en- 
gagement. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

EDWARD  JOHNSON, 

Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  TALIAFERRO. 

Headquarters  Third  Brigade,  V.  D,,  ) 
May  16,  1862.  5 

To  Major  R.  L.  Dabney,  A.  A.  G.  ; 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor,  in  obedieijce  to  the  instructions  of  the 
Major  General  commanding,  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  ope- 
rations of  the  troops  under  my  command,  during  the  engagement 
with  the  enemy  near  McDowell,  on  the  8th  instant. 

My  brigade  constituted  the  advance  of  the  army  of  the  Valley,  and 
was  held  in  supporting  distance  of  General  Johnson's  division,  (army 
of  the  ^Northwest,)  which  formed  the  advance  of  the  combined  forces 
under  Major  General  Jackson.  On  the  evening  of  the  8th,  learning 
that  the  advance  was  skirmishing  with  the  enemy,  I  moved  my  brigade 
up  to  the  rear  of  General  Johnson's  command,  and  shortly  afterwards 
received  an  order  from  the  Major  General  commanding,  to  move 
rapidly  to  the  front  to  tho  support  of  that  command,  which  was  by 
that  time  hotly  engaged  with  the  enemy. 

My  men  were  under  a  desultory  fire  of  the  enemy  from  the  time 
they  turned  the  summit  of  the  Bull  Pasture  mountain  until  they 
reached  the  field  of  battle,  but  pressed  forAvard  with  enthusiasm  and 
in  the  best  order  that  the  rocky  trail  through  the  woods  and  up  a 
precipitous  hill  would  admit  of.  On  reaching  the  field,  I  discovered 
that  the  enemy  were  engaging  our  forces  ( who  occupied  an  extensive 
hill'or  mountain  spur  overlooking  the  village  of  McDowell,)  on  the 
left  of  our  position  and.  in  front ;  that  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment 
■was  contesting  with  heroic  gallantry  tho  position  on  the  left,  well  ad- 
vanced towards  the  front;  that  the  twenty-fifth  Virginia  was  holding 
the  front,  and  I  learned  that  the  thirty-first  Virginia  was  holding  a 
wooded  hill  across  the  valley  to  our  right,  which  was  menaced  by  a  large 
force  of  the  enemy. 

I  at  once  ordered  the  twenty-third  Virginia,  Colonel  Taliaferro,  to 
reinforce  and  support  the  twenty-fifth,  which  regiment  had  expended 
most  of  its  ammunition,  and  directed  Colonel  Fulkerson,  with  his, 
the  thirty-seventh  Virginia,  to  move  across  to  the  wooded  hill  on  the 
right,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  turning  our  flank,  and  to  drive  him 
from  his  position  on  the  hill.  As  soon  as  the  tenth  Virginia,  Colonel 
'Gibbons,  which  was  the  rear  reghnent,  came  up,  I  ordered  four  com- 
panies to  support  the  twelfth  Georgia,  the  remainder  to  the  right  of 
the  twenty-third,  which  position  they  maintained  with  great  gallantry 
until  I  ordered  them  under  the  hill  as  a  reserve  to  reinforce  any  posi- 
tion which  might  require  support. 

The  twenty-third  was  immediately  thrown  forward  and  opened  a 
heavy  fire  upon  the  enemy  in  front  and  on  a  spur  of  a  hill  to  the  right, 
and  maintained  the  position  handsomely  under  a  terrible  fire  of  mus- 
ketry and  artillery,  which  latter  played  upon  my  whole  command  from 
a  hill  beyond  the  turnpike  out  of  musket  range. 


Colonel  Fulkerson  moved  across,  as  directed,  to  the  hill  on  the  right, 
"RJth  a  jfirt  of  his  regiment  which  had  pas>?ed  ahead  of  the  rest  in 
thoir  anxiety  to  get  into  the  fight,  interposed  it  hctween  our  troops 
and  the  eliemj  who  were  advancing  up  the  slope  of  the  hill,  charged 
them  and  drove  them  precipitately  before  him  to  the  base,  and  then 
returned  with  his  command  to  the  main  field,  when  I  directed  him  with 
his  regiment  to  hold  the  position  occupied  by  the  twenty-third,  which 
I  sent  to  the  support  of  the  CJeorgians.  At  this  time  I  moved  the 
tenth  Virginia  further  to  our  right,  to  prevent  any  attempt  of  an  ad- 
vance of  the  enemy  up  the  valley  between  tlie  two  hills  occupied  by 
our  troops,  which  the  night,  which  was  rapidly  approaching,  might 
render  practicable. 

The  troops  of  my  command  maintained  their  position  until  the 
close  of  the  fight,  which  was  protracted  until  after  nine  o'clock  at 
night,  when  the  enemy's  fire  entirely  ceased.  Knowing  that  General 
Johnson,  who  was  near  me,  had  been  wounded,  I  at  once,  as  senior 
(ifficer  in  the  front,  made  dispositions  for  holding  the  hill  during  the 
night  and  restiitg  our  troops.  I  stationed  the  several  regiments  under 
cover  of  the  declivities  and  ravines,  threw  out  pickets  and  skirmishers, 
and  gave  orders  for  the  removal  of  our  dead  and  such  of  the  wounded 
as  had  not  been  carried  off  the  field,,  and  bad  the  arms  of  our  dead  and. 
wounded  and  those  that  the  enemy  had  left  on  the  field,  collected. 

Soon  after  this  the  enemy  kin/iled  exttusive  camp  fires  beyond  the 
river,  and  their  artillery  was  hea'd  moving  oif  towards  their  rear.  At 
eleven  o'clock,  General  Jackson  ordered  mc  to  march  my  command 
back  to  the  wagons  for  rest  and  refreshments. 

I  have  confined  myself  in  this  report  to  the  operations  of  my  own 
command,  and  referred  to  no  other  except  that  part  of  General  John- 
son's which  I  supported,  viz  :  the  brigade  commanded  by  Colonel 
Conner. 

In  conclusion,  I  desire  to  bear  testimony  to  the  gallantry  of  the 
officers  and  men  of  my  brigade  They  fought  well  under  a  most 
severe  fire. 

To  colonel  Fulkerson,  thirty-seventh.  Colonel  Taliaferro,  twenty- 
third,  (who  had  his  horse  shot  under  him,)  Lieutenant  Colonel  Warren, 
commanding  the  tenth,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Curtis,  twenty-third,  Major 
Williams,  thirty-seventh,  and  Major  Walker,  tenth,  my  thanks  are 
due  for  the  gallantry  they  displayed  imd  the  coolness  with  which  they, 
directed  the  movements  and  fire  of  their  men.  I  refer  to  the  reports 
of  the  colonels  for  particular  notice  of  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and 
men  of  their  respective  regiments,  aipd  I  desire  particularly  to  notic6 
the  efficient  services  rendered  me  on  the  field  by  my  adjutant  general, 
W.  B.  Pendleton,  and  my  aid-de-camp,  First  Lieutenant  Philip  A, 
Taliaferro,  both  P.  A.  C.  S. 

It  pains  me  to  add  that  some  of  my  best  officers  -were  killed  and 
wounded.  Colonel  Gibbons  of  the  tenth,  fell  early  in  the  action, 
whilst  leading  and  gloriously  cheering  his  men  to  the  fight.  No  braver 
or  better  soldier,  or  nobler  or  more  christian  gentleman,  has  off'ered  up 
his  life  a  sacrifice  to  our  holy  cause  during  this  struggle  for  our  liber- 
ties.    Lieutenants   Gregory,  twenty-third,  and  Dye  and   Fletcher, 


7d 


thirty-seventh,  paid  the  last  tribute  of  the  loftiest  and  holiest  patriot- 
ism  by  yielding  up  their  lives,  in  the  bloom  of  manhood,  ^pon  their 
invaded  country's  battle  field.  Captain  Terry,  thirty-seVenth  was 
especially  noticed  for  his  gallantry;  Captains  Saunders  an^  Williams 
twenty-third,  Lieutenants  Crawford  and  Myers,  tenth,  Southall,  Payne 
and  Garland  of  the  twenty-third,  Wilhelm  and  Key,  of  the  thirty- 
seventh  J. were  wounded,  and  deserve  especial  notice  for  their  good 
conduct,  ° 

I  enclose  an  official  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded  of  this  bric-ade 

amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  one  hundred   and    seven    officers°and 
men. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  B.  TALIAFERRO, 

Brigadier  General,  commanding  Brigade, 


llErORT  OF  COLONEL  SCOTT. 

Camp  near  Gordonsville,  August  2,   1862. 
Major  R.  L.  Dabnev, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General  Army  Valley  District: •. 

Major  :  As  I  have  not  heretofore  made  any  report  in  regard  to  the 
battle  of  McDowell,  I  will  now  supply  the  omission : 

The  army  of  the  Northwest,  commanded  by  Brig -dier  General 
Edward  Johnson,  was  divided  by  him  into  two  brigades,  one  of  which 
was  commanded  by  me  as  senior  colonel,  and  the  other  commanded  by 
Colonel  Connor,  of  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment.     See  appendix. 

I  need  say  nothing  of  the  junction  of  this  little  army  with  (General 
T.  J.  Jackson's,  of  the  driving  in  of  the  enemy's  pickets  at  ^Mason's 
shanties,  of  the  stampede  of  the  enemy  at  Shenandoah  mountain  and 
at  Shaw's  fork,  and  of  the  final  stand  made  by  them  on  their  main 
body  at  McDowell.  The  turnpike  road,  as  it  approaches  McDowell 
fr<5m  the  east,  runs  through  a  narrow  gorge  of  the  mountains,  about 
a  mile  before  it  reaches  that  town.  On  the  Sth  day  of  May  last,  our 
army  arrived  within  about  a  mile  and  a  half  or  two  miles  from  that 
town,  and  halted  in  the  turnpike  road.  General  Johnson's  two  brigades 
maic)iing  as  brigades  in  the  advance.  General  Jackson  and  General 
Johnson  went  forward  to  reconnoitre.  In  the  afternoon  General 
Johnson's  two  brigades  (and  perhaps  others)  were  ordered  forward. 
After  proceeding  along  the  turnpike  a  few  hundred  yards,  we  were  led 
to  the  left,  through  a  skirt  of  woods  half  a  mile  in  widths  to  an  open 
'field  on  a  high  hill,  which  overlooked  the  town  of  McDowell.  I  un- 
derstood that  we  were  to  hold  that  hill  until  next  morning,  and  that, 
in  the  meantime,  we  would  cut  a  road  through  the  wood  by  which  we 
would  carry  artillery  on  the  -hill,  with  which  we  were  to  attack  the 
enemy's  camp  and  defences.  On  the  top  of  that  hill  there  was  a  crest 
or  ridge  running  from  north  to  south,  except  about  midway,  where 
the  ground  was  not  above  the  ordinary  level  of  the  hill.  On  this 
crest  General  Johnson  placed  the  brigade  commanded  by  me,  consist- 
ing of  the  fifty-eighth,  the  forty-fourth,  and  fifty-second  Virginia 
regimeniis,  facing  it  west.  As  the  enemy  were  firing  shells  at  us,  he 
placed  the  men  of  this  brigade  in  pairs,  with  intervals  between  the 
pairs  of  about  five  paces,  and  caused  the  men  to  lie  down.  In  conse- 
quence of  their  disposition,  my  men  occupied  the  whole  length,  or 
nearly  the  whole  length,  of  the  crest  of  the  hill  in  the  open  field, 
including  the  depressed  part  in  Ihe  middle  From  the  right  of  this 
crest  the  ground  abruptly  descended,  and  this  abrupt  descent  extended 
in  a  line  nearly  at  right  angles  to  the  crest  or  ridge  from  its  northern 

termination  back  to  the  woods,  some hundred  yards  to  our  rear. 

The  fifty-eighth  regiment  occupied  the  northern  portion  of  the  crest 
•  and  constituted  my  right  flank,  the  forty-fourth  occupied  the  depressed  ■ 
ground  and  constituted  my^  centre,  and  the  fifty-second  occupied  the 
left  of  the  ridge  and  constituted  my  left   Han't.     Shortly    after  my 
men  were  placed  in. position  in  pairs  as  aforesaid,  a  regiment  of  the* 


77 

enemy  appeared  opposite  my  left  flank,  but,  after  remaining  there  a 
short  time,  retired  to  a  wood  which  faced  my  centre   and  right  flank. 
After  remaining  in  the  woods    a   short  time,  one    or  two  regiments, 
emerged  from  them  and  approached  a  bluff  which  extended  from  my 

right  flank  to  the  front,  about hundred   yards,  with   the  evident 

intention  of  shielding  themselves  behind  that  bluff.     I  immediately 
endeavored  to  close  my  regiments  to  the  right.     The  enemy  sent  for- 
ward a  company  of  skirmishers,  and  I  sent  forward  two  to  meet  them, 
but  on  the  first  fire  our  skirmishers  returned  to  their  regiments.    The 
fire  on  my  right  flank  (consisting  mainly  of  the  fifty-eighth  regiment) 
and  on  a  part  of  my  centre  (the  forty-fourth)   then  became  fast  and 
furious,  and  was  leturned  by  us  with  equal  spirit.     I  then  withdrew 
the  forty-fourth  regiment  from  its  position  on  the   level   or  depressed 
ground  in  the  centre,  anvl  placed  it  some  thirty   paces  in  rear  of  the 
fifty-eighth,  and  caused  its  men  to  lie  down  where   they  could  not  be 
hurt.     My  reasons  for  doing  this  were  the  following  :  First,  owing  to 
the  depressed  nature  of  the  ground  they   occupied,  the  enemy  could 
do  them  great  damage,  while  they  could  do  the  enemy  but  little  ;  and, 
second,  because  I  wanted  them  as  a  reserve  in   case   the  fifty-eighlh 
should  give  way.     But,«  after  the  battle  became  very  animated,  and 
my  attention   was   otherwise  directed,  a  large  number  of  the  forty- 
fourth  quit  their  position  and,  rushing  forward,  joined  the  fifty-eighth 
and  engaged  in  the  fight,  while   the  balance  of  the   regiment  joined 
some  other  brigade.      In  firing,  the  front  rank  of  my  right  flank  after 
delivering  its  fire,  would  retire  some  three  or   four  paces  to  the  rear 
and  lie  down  and  load,  and,  as  they  were  shielded  from  danger  while 
loading,  I  allowed  this  system  to  continue.     And  I  think  it  was  owing 
to  this  cause,  principally,  that  my  brigade  suffered   less  than  Coloniel 
Connor's.     But  observing  that  some  men  retired  further  to  the  rear 
than  necessary,  and  were  lying  on  their  faces  and   taking  no  part  in 
the  battle,  I  attempted  to  rouse  them  by  words,  but,  finding    that 
neither  harsh    words  nor    threat?    were  of  any  avail,  I    commenced 
*  riding  over   them,  which  soon    made    them  join  the  line  of  battle. 
After  the  battle  had  continued  for  some  time,  and  night  was  approach- 
ing, a  body  of  the  enemy  (the  number  I  do  not  know)  crept  up  a  dark 
bottom,  and  their  flag  was  suddenly  hoisted  within  fifty  yards  of  our 
line  of  battle.     Our  men,  so   soon    as  they  discovered  the  flag  and 
enemy,  received  a  deadly    fire    and  simultaneously  returned  it,  and 
then,  .with  the  exception  of  some   fifteen    or  twenty,  broke  and  ran 
back.     Standing  on  or  near  the  line  of  battle,  I  used   all  my  exer- 
tions to  rally  them,  principally  by  appeals  to   their   State  pride,  and 
after  they  had  run  back  some  twenty  or*thirty  yards  I  succeeded  in 
bringing  them  to  a  halt,  and,  after  loading,  they  returned  to  the  line 
of  battle  with  great  animation,  and  poured  so  deadly  a  fire  into  the 
enemy  that  they  broke  and  fled.     I  then  proposed  three  cheers  for 
Old  Virginia,  which  were  given  with  greaj;  spirit.     Major  Casey,  of 
the  fifty-eighth,  discovering  the  enemy's  flag  on  the  ground,  a  short 
distance  off,  went  down  the  hill  and  brought  it  up.     The  flag-staff  had 
been  shot  in  two,  and  the  flag-bearer  killed.    I  suppose  that  the  enemy 
broke  at  the  same  time  that  our  men  did,  as  they  were  further  off 


78 

^N'tien  our  men  returned  to  the  line  of  battle  than  when  they  left  it, 
which,  I  presume,  is  the  reason  why  every  man  who  remained  on  the 
line  of  battle  was  not  killed.  The  enemy,  however,  soon  resumod 
their  attack,  and  the  battle  continued  with  great  animation  until 
between  eight  and  nine  o'clock,  when  it  was  terminated  by  the  dark- 
ness. After  some  time  had  elapsed  from  the  commencement  of  the 
battle,  the  cneiry  sent  some  regiments  to  turn  my  right  flank,  or  to 
ascend  the  hill  on  ray  right  and  to  my  rear,  but  Colonel  Connor's 
brigade  was  then  placed  in  position  to  meet  them.  Ilis  line  of  battle 
was  then  at  right  angles  to  mine,  and  his  left  flank  united  with  my 
right.  In  this  battle  the  officers  of  the  brigade  commandetl  by  me 
(with  very  few  exceptions  among  the  inferior  ofllcer.-i)  did  their  duty 
nobly,  I  derived  considerable  assistance  from  Major  Ross,  of  the 
f.fty-second,  who  acted  with  great  gallantry.  I  must  also  commend 
for  great  gallantr}"-  my  adjutaiit,  Lieutenant  Charles  T,  Steptoe,  and 
my  sergeant  major,  William  TI.  Clare.  They  were  with  me  during 
the  whole  action,  except  when  sent  off  on  some  errand.  They  never 
attempted,  to  shield  themselves  from  danger  by  lying  down,  or  by  any 
other  means,  and  it  is  singular  that  neither  o^  them  were  wounded, 
though  Adjutant  Steptoe's  clothes  were  shot  through. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W,  C.  SCOTT, 
Colonel  Fort  1/ -fourth  Regiment  Virginia  Volunteers, 
Commanding  Sxond  Brigade,  Army  of  the  Northwest,  at  McDowell. 


APPENDIX. 

The  first  written  order  dividing  General  Edward  Johnson's  army 
of  the  Northwest  into  two  brigades  h  in  the  following  words  and 
figurefs — to-wit : 

Headquarters  Sf.cond  Brigade,  } 
Camp  at   Valley  Mills,  April  21,   1862.       S 
Orders,  No.  . 

I.  The  troops  of  this  command  will  be  dividel  into  two  brigades  ; 
the  one  on  the  right,  Colonel  Porterfieid  commanding,  to  consist  of 
the  twelfth  Georgia,  twenty-fifth  and  thirty-first  Virginia  regiments, 
Hansbrough's  battalion,  and  the  Star  battery  ;  the  one  on  the  left. 
Colonel  Baldwin  commanding,  to  consist  of  the  forty-fourth,  fifty- 
second,  and  fifty-eighth  Virginia  regiments.  Miller's  and  the  Lee 
battery. 

II.  All  official  communications  will  be  sent  through  the  headquar- 
ters of  the  respective  brigades.  Commandants  of  brigades  will  sign 
all  provision  returns,  requisitions,  &c.,  and' will  send  to  this  office, 
every  morning,  consolidated  reports  of  their  respective  brigades. 

By  order  of  General  Johnson. 

A.  SMEAD,  Lieutenant  Colonel 

[^Circular .'\  Headquarters   Second  Brigade, 

Camp  at   Valley  Mills,  April  22,   1863. 
Commandants  of  brigades  will   cause   all   company   officers   of  the 
regiments  and  corps  of  their  command  to  quarter  wiih  their  compa- 
nies, and  field  and  staff  officers  with  their  regiments. 
By  order  of  General  E.  Johnson. 

A.  SMEAD,  Lieut.  Col.  and  A.  A.  G. 

Headquarters  Army  of  the  Northwest, 
Camp  at   Valley  Mills,  May  2,  1862. 

Colonel  :  You  being  the  senior  officer  present  with  your  brigade, 
you  will  assume  command  of  it,  and  will  sign  all  requisitions,  provi- 
sion returns,  &c.,  and  will  hand  in  consolidated  morning  reports  of 
your  brigade  by  twelve,  M.,  every  day.  You  will  also,  as  soon  as 
possible,  send  a  consolidated  return  of  the  brigade. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  SMEAD,  Lieut.  Col.  and  A.  A.   G. 

This  last  was  directed  and  sent  to  me  the  morning  after  I  rejoined 
my  regiment,  after  a  sick  leave  of  absence.  None  of  the  foregoing 
orders  were  ever  ranked  by  General  Johnson;  on  the  contrary,  I 
have  a  great  number  of  others  recognizing  the  two  brigades.  I  will 
only  insert  one  issued  just  before  we  commenced  onr  march  to 
McDowell : 

[Circxdar.'l  Headquarters  Army  of  the  Northwest,  )  ' 

Camp  at   Valley  Mills,  May  5,  1862.       ] 
Brigade  commanders  will  cause  the  different  regiments  and  inde- 
pendent companies  of  their  respective  commands  to  have  cooked  and 


bU 


put  in  haversacks  the  provisions  they  will  draw  to-morrow,  and  be  in 
readiness  to  march  at  any  moment. 
By  order  of  General  Johnson. 

A.  SMEAD,  Lieut.   Col.  and  A.  A.   G. 
According  to  the   order  of  march,  we  marched  by  brigades,  each 
brigade  followed  by   its  wagons.     It  is   a  fact  that  at  the  battle  of 
McDowell  1  commanded  the  second  brigade,  and  that   Major  Cobb 
commanded  the  forty-fourth  regiment. 

W.  C.  SCOTT, 
Colonel  Forty-fourth  Regiment   Virginia  Volunteers. 


REPORT  OF    COLONEL  HARMAN. 

General  Edavako  Johnson, 

Commanding  the  army  of  the  Narthtaest  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  of  submitting  to  you  the  following  report: 

At  the  battle  of  McDowell,  on  the  8th  of  May,  my  officers  and  men 
behaved  with  great  courage,  but  it  is  not  necessary  to  particularize  them 
by  name,  as  they  fought  under  you  own  eye. 

The  total  loss  of  my  regiment  is  .^s  follows  : 

Officers — Compavy  B — Captain  William  Long,  mortally  wounded, 
since  dead.  As  a  brave  and  faithful  officer  he  is  a  great  loss  to  my  re- 
giment. 

Company  D — Lieutenant  Carson,  killed. 

Companies  C  and  T — Captains  Dabney  and  Humphreys,  wounded, 
one  in  the  arm  and  the  other  in  the  mouth,  whilst  gallantly  leading 
their  companies. 

The  loss  in  privates  in  each  company  is  as  follows : 

Company  B — Fifteen  wounded. 

Company  C — Four  wounded — one  died  since  battle. 

Company  T) — Two  killed  and  three  wounded. 

ihmpnny  E — One  killed  and  six  wounded. 

Company  F — One  killed  and  four  wounded. 

Company  I — Five  wounded. 

Company  G — Five  wounded. 

Company  K — One  killed  and  one  wounded. 

Early  in  the  action  I  received  a  severe  and  painful  wound  in  my 
right  arm,  and  with  great  difficulty  remained  on  the  field  until  the 
battle  was  over.  To  a  merciful  Providence  and  your  successful  lead- 
ership and  personal  bravery,  we  owe  our  victory  on  that  hotly  con- 
tested field. 

Respectfully, 

M.  G.  HARMAN, 
Colonel  commanding  fifty -second  regiment. 


Report  of  the  killed,  wounded  and  missing  of  the  fifty -second  regiment  Vir- 
ginia volunteers,  in  the  battle  near  McDowell. 

Company  B — Cap^^ain  William  Long,  mortally  wounded  in  the  head  ; 
sergeant  William  W.  Burns,  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh  ;  corporal 
Joseph  E.  Patterson,  slightly  wounded  in  the  arm  ;  corporal  Marion 
Coiner,  slightly  wounded  in  the  arm.  Privates  L.  H.  Bush,  severely 
wounded  in  the  thigh  ;  Henry  Fisher,  slightly  wounded  in  hand  and 
thigh  ;  J.  C.  .Tone?,  slightly  wounded  in  both  thighs  ;  B.  F.  Johnston, 
slightly  wounded  in  the  arm;  0.  Kirby,  slightly  wounded  in  arm  and 
aide;  B.  F.  Miller,  slightly  wounded  in  the  hand;  John  Pannell, 
slightly  wounded  in  the  thigh  ;  David  Wheeler,  slightly  wounded  in 
6 


82 

the  tlii^ih  ;  William  Par.nell,  wounde  1  in  the  thigh  ;  N.  Fry,  badly 
wonnded  in  arm  and  breast;  James  Way,  badly  wounded  in  thigh  ; 
Dillard  Coiner,  slightly  wounded  in  thigh. 

Company  C — Captain  E.  M,  Delney,  wounded  in  arm.  Corporal 
William  H.  Fry,  mortally  wounded  in  breast.  Privates  Samuel  Pal- 
more,  wounded  in  fihoulder;  John  II.  Fauber,  wounded  in  the  arm  ; 
Granville  Loyd,  wounded  in  shoulder. 

Company  D — Lieutenant  John  A.  Carsou,  killed.  Sergeant  J.  M. 
Samuels  wounded  in  groin  ;  corporal  F.  Crepp,  wounded  in  the  head  ; 
corporal  G.  W.  Harman,  wounded  in  thigh.  Privates  John  Harman, 
killed;   William  II.  IStoutamoir,  killed. 

Company  E — Privates  Alfred  E.  Shepardson,  killed  ;  Henry  Woody, 
wounded  in  leg ;  John  A.  Jenkins,  wounded  in  hip;  James  Glenn, 
wounded  in  arm  ;  Martin  L  Paxton,  wounded  in  arm  ;  William  Hicks, 
wounded  in  ankle;   William  A.  Hall,  wounded  in  thigh. 

Company  F — Privates  Samuel  Whitmore,  killed ;  Harvey  Fry, 
wounded  in  thigh  ;  Patrick  Loyd,  wounded  in  leg ;  J.  Pt.  Crann, 
Avounded  in  hip;   William  J.  Crepps,  wounded  in  arm. 

Company  1 — Captain    John    M.  Humphreys,  wounded    in    mouth. 
Corporal    J.  Zimmerman,  wounded    in  hand  and    side.     Privates  Jno 
Buchanan,    wounded    in    abdomen  ;  James    M.    McKee,  wounded    in 
thigh;   Cyrus  Mayse,  wounded  in  hand  and  side  ;   William  McCutcbin, 
wounded  in  abdomen. 

Company  G — Privates  William  Reid,  wounded  in  arm  ;  James  Frell- 
wider,  wounded  in  thigh ; 'Robert  VVaskey,  wounded  in  thigh;  John 
Painter,  wounded  in  arm  ;   David  Hunkle,  wounded  in  mouth. 

Company  II — James  Moreton,  killed  ;  John  A.  Weaver,  in  heel  and 
hip. 

Respectfully  submitted  by 

JOHN  W.  LEWIS, 
Adjutant  fifty-second  Virginia  regiment ^ 

To  Colonel  M.  G.  Harsian. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  CUNNINGHAM. 

HeadqUx\rtkrs  Tvvemv-mrm  Virginia  RE<iiMENT, 
Camp  071  the  road,  May  18.  1862. 

Captain  R.  N.  Wilson,  •         • 

•  A.  A.    General,  Second  Brigade,   V.  D. : 

CAPTAfx  ■:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  this  regiment  during  the  battle  on  the  8th  instant,  near 
McDowell  : 

At  about  six  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  received  an  order  from  the  Colonel 
commanding  the  f-econd  brigade,  through  you,  to  move  my  regiment 
forward  on  the  road  immediately  in  rear  of  the  forty-eighth  Virginia 
regiment,  which  I  at  once  did,  and  hnd  followed  that  regiment  a  short 
distance  up  the  side  of  the  mountain,  where  the  firing  was  then  going 
on,  when  I  was  directed  by  the  Major  General  commanding  to  form 
my  regiment  in  the  hollow  across  the  road  leading  to  the  river,  and 
to  be  governed  in  my  movements  by  an  ambuscade  party  from  the 
fifty-second  Virginia  regiment,. which  he  had  sent  in  front  of  us 

I  moved  the  regiment  in  line  to  within  seventy-five  (75)  yards  of 
the  ambuscade  party  and  about  one  hundred  and  fifry  (15<i)  yards 
below  the  ravine  where  other  troops  ascended  the  mountain.  We  did 
not  come  in  contact  with  the  enemy  during  the  evening,  but  were 
exposed  to  a  scattering  fire  whilst  moving  to  our  position,  by  which 
one  man  received  a  slight  contusion  from  a  spent  ball. 
Very  respectfull :,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  H.  CUNNINGHAM, 
Lieutenant  Colonal  cowmanding  Twenty-first   Va,  Reg't,. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  LANK 

Camp  of  Fortt-second,  May  17,  \SQt\ 
Oaptain  R.  N.  Wilson,  A.  A.  General : 

Sir  :  I  herewith  report  to  you  the  operations  of  the  forty-seconii 
regiment,  on  the  8th  instaat,  in  connecti  )n  with  the  battle  near 
McDowell 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  that  day,  I  wvs  ordered  to  proceed  with 
my  regiment  along  the  Monterey  road  in  the  direction  of  heavy  firing 
in  front,  and  after  proceeding,  perhaps,  half  a  mile,  we  left  the  main 
road  and  filed  to  the  left  up  a  steep  hill.  Upon  rcaclving  the  top  of 
this  hill,  I  was  ordered  to  place  my  regiment  in  line  of  battle  upon 
the  side  of  a  hill  to  the  right  of  the  eminence  upon  which  the  main 
battle  was  fought,  and  from  which  it  was  separated  by  a  deep  ravine, 
with  the  view  of  preventing  any  attempt  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  to 
turn  the  right  flank  of  our  forces  actively  engaged  with  the  enemy.  I 
executed  this  order  with  as  much  rapidity  as  possible,  and  by  the  time 
the  regiment  was  placed  in  position,  night  had  set  in  and  the  firing 
had  sensibly  slackened,  particularly  on  the  part  of  the  enemy. 

No  demonstration  was  made  in  the  direction  of  the  ground  occupied 
by  my  regiment,  and  consequently  it  was  not  actively  engaged  in  the 
fight.  We  remained  in  the  position  assigned  us  until  the  firing  had 
entirely  ceased,  when  I  was  ordered  with  my  command  to  the  top  of 
the  hill,  where  the  main  battle  had  been  fought.  Here  the  regiment 
remained  until  a  late  hour  of  the  night,  without  fires,  and  suffering 
much  from  cold.  During  the  night  heavy  details  were  made  upon  the 
regiment  to  assist  in  carrying  from  the  field  the  dead  and  wounded, 
and  the  arms  and  accoutrements  which  had  been  scattered  during  the 
engagement,  all  of  which  duties  were  performed  with  becoming 
alacrity. 

In  taking  its  position  the  regiment  was  several  times  exposed  to 
the  fire  of  the  enemy,  resulting  in  the  Avounding  of  three  of  my 
men,  but  I  am  happy  to  report  only  slightly. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

HENRY  LANE, 
Major  commanding  Fort  1/ -second  Ragimenf. 


REPORT  OF  ADJUTANO'  HALE. 

Camp  of  Forty-Eighth  Regiment  Virginia  Volunteers, 

May  16,  1862. 

Captain  R.  N.  AVilson, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Sfc,  ^c.: 

Captain  :  In  obedience  to  the  order  of  Colonel  John  A.  Campbell, 
commanding  second  brigade,  Valley  District,  of  this  date,  I  have  the. 
honor  of  making  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  forty- 
eighth  regiment  Virginia  vulunteeis,  in  the  battle  of  the  8th  instant, 
near  McDowell :  Late  in  the  evening  of  the  8th  instant,  this  regi- 
ment, under  command  of  Major  James  C.  Campbell,  was  at  its  place 
in  the  brjgade,  between  first  battalion  Virginia  Provisional  Array,  in 
front,  and  twenty- first  regiment  Virginia  volunteers  in  its  rear,  on 
the  road  on  eastern  side  of  Great  North  mountain.  JVhcn  the  order, 
to  march  was  given.  Major  Campbell  led  the  regiment  along  the  road, 
in  rear  of  the  first  battalion,  till  near  a  log  cabin  on  the  right  of  the 
road,  when,  perceiving  that  the  enemy's  balls  and  shell  were  falling  in 
and  near  the  road,  he  threw  the  regiment  to  the  right  of  the  road,  causing 
it  to  march  alcng  a  ravine,  partially  sheltered  by  the  mountains  on 
the  right;  he,  however,  continuing  to  ride  along  the  road  near  the 
head  of  the  regiment.  Just  below  the  cabin  mentioned.  Major  Camp- 
bell was  wounded,  and  taken  from  his  horse.  Seeing  that  Major 
Campbell  was  wounded,  I  hastened  to  the  front,  stated  the  fact  to 
senior  Captain  Virmillion,  and  notified  him  that  the  command  fell 
upon  him.  He  declined,  and  ordered  me  to  tender  the  command  to 
Captain  Ilarman,  next  jn  rank.  lie  declined,  and  suggested  that  I 
should  command.  I  hastened  to  the  right,  reported  to  Captain  Ver- 
million, and,  with  his  consent,  assumed  the  command.  Just  then  I 
met  you,  and,  as  you  remember,  stated  the  facts,  and  was  directed  by 
you  to  hold  the  command  of  the  regiment.  In  pursuance  of  the  order 
to  follow  the  regiment  in  front,  the  rec^iment  was  halted,  and  ordered 
to  load,  near  the  creek,  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  and  then  I  fol- 
lowed the  battalion  up  the  ravine,  to  the  left  of  the  road,  to  the  field 
occupied  by  our  troops  during  the  battle.  After  getting  into  the 
field,  the  front  companies  were  halted  till  the  rear  companies  cleared 
the  ravine.  I  then  hastened  on  to  the  woods  on  the  right.  Just  as  I 
entered  the  woods,  the  first  battalion  was  hidden  from  my  view  by 
other  regiments ;  and  being  informed  by  a  field  officer,  whose  name  I 
do  not  know,  that  the  enemy  had  been  driven  back  on  the  right,  and 
that  we  were  needed  on  the  hill  occupied  by  the  fifty-eighth  Virginia 
and  twelfth  Georgia  volunteers,  I  halted  the  regiment,  ordered  the 
captains  to  close  up  their  companies,  and  run  to  Colonel  J.  A. 
Campbell ;  stated  the  ficts  connected  with  the  command  of  the  regi- 
ment, and  was  ordered  by  him  to  hasten  to  the  hill  mentioned.  Du- 
ring the  remainder  of  the  nigh-t,  the  regiment  was  in  Colonel  Catap- 
bell's  presence,  and  I  can  only  state  facts  that  came  under  his. own. 


86 

observation,  and  mention  movements  made  by  his  direction.  I  irame- 
diaiely  obcved  bis  or-ler  mentioned,  and  marched  the  rcgiwiOnt  I'V  the 
left  flank,  at  double  quick,  to  a  point  imracdintelj  behind  the  Hftj- 
eighth  regiment,  baited,  closed  the  regiiaent,  then  filed  tlie  left  com- 
panies into  line  in  front  of  the  fifty-eighth,  uheeled  the  rigbt  com- 
panies to  the  left,  and  threw  them  forward  into  line,  thus  forming  the 
whole  regiment  in  front  of  the  fifty  eighth  regiment,  our  regiment 
resting  near  the  twelfth  Georgia  regiment.  After  getting  into  line, 
the  regiment  fired  several  rounds  at  a  line  of  the  enemy  in  front  of 
our  left  wing,  and  then  ceased  firing,  in  obedience  to  an  order  from 
General  Johnson.  The  regiment  was  ordered  to  lie  down  ;  and  we 
laid  under  heavy  fire  of  the  cnenay  till  their  line  was  seen  firing  on 
our  left  again.  I  then  ordered  the  regiment  to  fire,  and  after  firing 
one  round,  again  ordered  the  regiment  to  cease  firing,  in  obedience  to 
an  order  from  Colonel  Campbell.  The  regiment  again  laid  down; 
and  we  were  again  under  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy,  the  bullets  whist- 
ling just  above  u.s,  and  cutting  the  bushes  around,  till  near  half-past 
eight  o'clock,  wh^n  the  shout  for  "  Davis  and  the  Confederacy''  ran 
along  the  line  from  the  right,  announcing  the  retreat  of  the  enemy.  The 
regiment  was  immediately  called  to  attention,  a  picket  of  two  men  from 
each  company  sent  to  the  front,  and  we  remained  in  our  places  a  few 
moments,  when,  by  order  of  Colonel  Campbell,  I  filed  the  regiment  to 
the  right,  and  formed  line  of  battle  on  the  ground  occupied  by  the 
twelfth  regiment  Georgia  volunteers.  Here  we  remained  till  near 
daylight,  when  I  marched  the  regiment  back  to  its  wagons,  to  get  ihe 
rations  for  the  day,  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  Colonel  Campbell. 
After  the  firing  ceased,  we  made  the  required  details  to  assist  in  mov- 
ing the  dead  and  collecting  the  arms,  &g 

One  man  of  tlie  regiment  was  wounded  slightly  near  the  log-cabin 
mentioned,  and  two  were  slightly  woun^led  about  the  time  our  line  of 
battle  was  being  formed  in  front  of  the  fifty-eighth  Virginia  regiment. 

The  ofiicers  and  men  of  the  regiment  seemed  entirely  self-possessed 
while  under  fire,  and  the  men  fired  with  a  great  degree  of  coolness 
and  deliberation. 

Very  respectfully  submitted,  by 

Your  obedient  servant, 

S.  HALE,  Acting  yhJjufant, 
and  comtnamHng  Forty-Eighth  Regiment  Va.  Vols.,  on  dth  ir.stant. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  LEIGH. 

Headquarters  First  Virginia  Battalion,  P.  A.  C.  S.  A  ,  ^ 
Camp  near  Cross''  House,  Augusta  county,  Va  ,      ^■ 

May  16,  1862.  S 

Captain  R.  N.  Wilson,  Adjutant  General,  &,'c.,  ^c,  ^'c: 

Captain  :  In  "obedience  to  an  order  of  Colonel  Campbell,  command- 
ing the  second  brigade,  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  you,  for  hia 
information,  a  report  of  the  operations  of  the  battalion  under  my  com- 
mand, during  the  recent  engagement  near  McDo:'ell. 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  8th  instant,  the  battnlion.  along  with 
the  rest  of  the  brigade,  remained  at  a  halt  on  the  eastern  aide  of  the 
Great  North  mountain.  The  sound  of  cannon  and  musketry,  from 
time  to  time,  in  front  of  ua,  indicated  an  approaching  conflict.  About 
half-past  six  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  brigade  was  ordered  forward 
to  the  scene  of  action.  On  our  way  thither,  the  battalion  was  exposed 
to  a  scattering  fire  from  the  enemy,  which  proceeded,  as  I  think,  from 
the  summit  of  a  hill  which  overlooked  the  valley  of  a  little  brook, 
which  crossed  the  road,  and  one  man  of  company  B  was  mortally 
wounded. 

On  reaching  the  crest  of  a  hill  in  the  rear  of  a  ridge  on  which  the 
fight  was  raging.  Colonel  Campbell  ordered  the  battalion  to  proceed  to 
the  top  of  a  hill  on  the  right  of  our  position,  and  occupy  that  point. 
lie  accompanied  us  a  part  of  the  ^vay,  and  cautioned  us  that  we  might 
find  the  place  in  the  possession  of  our  friends.  Ou  reaching  the 
summit  of  the  hill,  we  found  it  occupied  by  three  companies  of  the 
thirty-first  regiment  of  Virginia  volunteers,  and  the  forty-second 
regiment  of  Virginia  volunteers  were  drav.  ii  up  in  line  of  battle  im- 
mediately on  our  left. 

We  remained  at  this  point  until  a  late  hour  in  the  night,  when  we 
received  an  ofder  from  Colonel  Campbell  to  join  the  forty-eighth  regi- 
ment of  Virginia  volunteers,  on  the  ridge  which  had  been  the  principal 
scene  of  the  conflict.  We  accordingly  proceeded  thither,  and  re- 
mained there  until  the  setting  of  the  moon,  when  the  brigade  left  the 
battle-fiold,  and  went  back  a  few  miles  to  get  provisions.  The  bat- 
talion kept  its  ranks  well  during  the  whole  of  this  time,  notwithstand- 
ing the  difficulties  of  the  ground,  and  none  of  the  men  left  their 
places.  One  man  of  company  A  was  shot  as  we  were  ascending  the 
mountain,  from  the  brook  I  have  mentioned^  bat  I  am  informed,  and 
believe,  that  this  was  accidental.  His  wound  will  probably  render 
necessary  the  amputation  of  his  leg. 

W^hilst  wo  remained  on  the  summit  of  the  hill  which  we  were  or- 
dered to  occupy,  the  battle  raged  with  grea:  fury  on  the  principal 
scene  of  the  conflict,  until  some  time  after  dark.  1  may  be  permitted 
to  say  that  we  would  have  welcomed  an  order  to  hasten  to  succor  our 
comrades.  I  have  the  honor  to  be.  Captain,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.  W.  LEIGH, 
Captain  commanding  First  Virginia  Battalion,  P.  A.  C.  S.  A. 


88 


SUMMARY    or    KILLED   AND  WOUNDED  in    ih^  Baitle  cf 
Mf  Dow  ell.  May  8,  18C2  : 

Killed, gg 

Wounded,     -----...  393 


Total. 


462 


BATTLE   OF  WINCHESTER. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  JACKSON. 


Headquarters  Second  Corps  A.  N.  V.,  ) 
Jpril  15,  1863.       \ 

Brigadier  General  R.  II,  CuiltOxN,  A.  A.  tD  /.  General, 

Headquarters  Dipartment  Northern  Virginia  : 

General:  I  returned  to  McDowell  on  the  14tli  of  May,  from  the 
pursuit  of  Generals  Milroy  and  Schenck,  towards  Franklin. 

On  the  following  day  I  crossed  the  Shenandoah  mountain  and  en- 
camped that  night  near  the  Lebanon  White  Sulphur  Springs.  Here 
the  troops  were  halted  for  a  short  rest  after  their  fatiguing  march, 
to  enable  them  to  attend  divine  service,  and  to  observe  the  fast  recom- 
mended by  the  proclamation  of  the  President  of  the  Coniederate 
States. 

On  the  I7th,  the  Ynarch  was  resu|3:ied  towards  Harrisonburg.  In 
the  meantime,  whilst  the  pursuit  of  the  Federal  troops  west  of  the 
Shenandoah  mountain  was  in  progress,  General  Banks  had  fallen  back 
to  Strasburg.  which  position  it  was  understood  he  was  fortifying.  We 
moved  from  Harrisonburg  down  the  Valley  turnpike  to  New  Market, 
in  the  vicinity  of  which  a  junction  was  effected  with  E well's  division, 
which  had  marched  from  Elk  Run  valley. 

Leaving  the  A'alley  turnpike  at  New  Market,  we  moved,  via  Luray, 
towards  Front  Royal,  with  the  hope  of  being  able  to  capture  or  dis- 
perse the  garrison  at  the  latter  place,  and  get  in  rear  of  Banks,  or 
compel  him  to  abandon  his  fortifications  at  Strasburg.  To  conceal 
my  movements  as  far  as  possible  from  the  enemy.  Brigadier  General 
Ashby,  who  had  remained  in  front  of  Banks  during  the  march  against 
Milroy,  was  directed  to  continue  to  hold  that  position  until  the  fol- 
lowing day,  when  he  was  to  join  the  main  body;  leaving  however,  a 
covering  force  sufficient  to  prevent  information  of  our  movements 
crossing  our  lines. 


90    ' 

My  coinmand  at  this  time  embraced  Ashbj's  cavalrj,  the  first  brig- 
ade, uni'er  General  Winder,  the  second  brigade,  Colonel  Campbell 
comraar.ding,  third  brigade,  Colonel  Fulkcrson  cummandin^,  the 
troops  recently  under  command  of  Brii^adier  General  Edward  John- 
pon,  an<l  the  division  of  General  Ewcll,  comprising  the  brigades  of 
Generals  Elzcy,  Taylor,  Trimble,  and  the  Maryland  Line,  consisting 
of  the  first  Maryland  regiment  and  Brockenbrough's  battery,  under 
Brigadier  General  George  II  Stewart,  and  the  second  and  sixth  Vir- 
ginia cavalry,  under  Colonel  Flournoy. 

On  Thursday,  the  22nd,  ray  entire  command  moved  down  the  road 
lea'ling  from  Luray  to  Front  Royal,  the  advance  (  undm'  General 
Ewell)  bivouacking  about  ten  miles  from  the  last  uainod  place. 

Moving  at  dawn  on  Friday,  the  23rd,  and  diverging  to  the  right, 
KG  as  to  fall  into  the  Gooney  Manor  road,  we  encountered,  no  opposi- 
tion until  we  fame  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  Front  Royal,  when 
about  two  P.  M.,  the  enemy's  pickets  were  driven  in  by  our  advance, 
which  wag  ordered  to  follow  rapidly.  The  first  Maryland  reiz;iment, 
supported  l)y  Wheat's  battalion  of  Louisiana  volunteers,  and  the  re- 
mainder of  Taylor's  brigade,  acting  as  a  reserve,  pushed  forward  in 
gallant  style,  charging  the  Federals,  who  made  a  spirited  resistance, 
driving  them  through  the  town  and  taking  some  pvi^^oners. 

The  main  force  of  the  enemy  now  retirv;!  a  .>!iort  distance  beyond 
Front  Royal,  and  took  position  on  a  comuiaading  height  to  the  right 
of  the  turnpike.  From  this  point  thoy  opened  rifle  artillery  upon  our 
troops  as  they  advanced  beyond  the  town. 

Colonel  Crutchfield,  chief  of  artillery,  placed  some  rifled  guns  in 
position  to  dislodge  them,  and  the  sixth  Louisiana  regiment  was  moved 
to  the  left,  through  the  woods,  to  flank  their  battery;  but  in  the  mean- 
time Wheat's  battalion,  Major  Wheat,  and  the  first  Maryland  regiment. 
Colonel  Bradley  T.  Johnson,  advancing  more  directly,  and  driving  in 
their  skirmishers,  the  Federals  retreated  across  both  forks  of  the 
Shenandoah,  attempting  in  their  retreat  to  burn  the  bridge  over  the 
north  fork.  But  before  they  could  fully  accomplish  tlijir  purpose, 
our  troops  were  upon  them,  and  extinguishing  the  ilariios,  crossed  the 
river,  the  enemy  in  full  retreat  tcfwards  Winchester,  and  our  artillery 
and  infantry  in  pursuit.  The  cavalry,  under  General  Ashby  and 
Colonel  Thomas  S.  Flournoy,  had  crossed  the  sou'h  fork  of  the  Shenan- 
doah at  ^IcCoys'  ford,  above  the  eneiny'«  position,  for  the  purpose  of 
distroying  the  railroad  and  telegraphic  communication  between  Front 
Royal  and  Strasburg,  and  also  to  check  the  advance  of  any  reinforce- 
ments from  Strasburg,  or  the  retreat  of  any  portion  of  the  enemy  in 
that  direction  from  Front  Royal.  Colonel  Flournoy  kept  a  short  dis- 
tance west  of  that  river,  and  having  executed  his  orders,  was  now  in 
readiness  to  join  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  Federals. 

Delayed  by  diiliculties  at  the  bridge  over  the  north  fork,  which 
the  Federals  had  made  an  effort  to  burn,  Colonel  Flournoy  pushed 
on  with  companies  A,  B,  E,  and  K  of  the  sixth  Virginia  cavalry,  and 
came  up  with  a  body  of  the  enemy  near  Cedarvillc,  about  five  miles 
from  Front  Royal.     This  Federal  force  consisted  of  two  companies  of 


91 

cavalry,  two  pieces  of  artillery,  the  first  Federal  regiment  of  Mary- 
land infantry,  and  two  companies  of  Pennsylvania  infantry,  which 
had  been  posted  there  to  check  our  pursuit.  Dashing  into  the  midst 
of  them,  Captain  Grimsby,  of  company  B,  in  the  advance,  these  four 
companies  drove  the  Federals  from  thei»'  position,  who  soon,  however, 
reformed  in  an  orchard  on  the  right  of  the  turnpike,  when  a  second 
gallant  and  decisive  charge  being  made  upon  them,  the  enemy's  cav- 
alry was  put  to  flight,  the  artillery  abandoned,  and  the  infantry,  now 
thrown  into  great  confusion,  surrendered  themselves  prisoners  of  war. 

In  this  successful  pursuit  our  loss  was  twenty-six  killed  and  wounded, 
among  the  killed,  Cnptain  Baxter,  of  company  K,  whilst  gallantly 
leading  his  men  in  the  charge.  Whilst  these  occurrences  were  in 
progress,  General  Ashby,  who  after  cossingat  McCoy's  ford,  had  moved 
with  his  command  further  to  the  west,  so  as  to  skirt  the  base  of  the  Massa- 
nutton  mountain,  met  -v^th  a  body  of  the  enemy  posted  as  a  guard  at 
Buckton,  in  a  strong  position,  protected  by  the  railr)ad  embankment. 
Ashby  drove  back  and  dispersed  the  enemy ;  but  Avith  the  loss  of  sonj<3 
of  the  most  valuable  of  his  followers,  among  them  Captains  Sheets 
and  Fletcher.  The  infantry  and  artillery  pursued  but  a  short  dis- 
tance before  darkness  rendered  it  necessary  to  go  into  camp. 

The  result  of  this  first  day's  operations  were  the  capture  of  about  seven 
hundred  prisoners,  among  them  about  twenty  officers,  a  complete  sec- 
tion of  rifled  artillery, -(lO-pounder  Parrotts,)  and  a  very  large  amount 
of  quartermasters'  and  commissary  stores.  The  fruits  of  thi^  move- 
ment were  not  restricted  to  the  stores  and  prisoners  captured  ;  the 
enemy's  flank  was  turned,  and  the  road  opened  to  Winchester. 

In  the  event  of  Banks'  leaving  Strasburg,  he  might  escape  towards 
the  Po'.omac,  or  if  we  moved  directly  to  Winchester,  he  might  move 
via  Front  Royal  towards  Washington  city.*  In  order  to  watch  both 
directions,  and  at  the  same  time  advance  upon  him  if  he  remained  at 
Strasburg,  I  determined,  with  the  main  body  of  the  army,  to  strike 
the  turnpike  near  Middletown,  a  village  five  miles  north  of  Strasburg, 
ai^d  thirteen  south  of  Winchester.  Accordingly,  the  following  morn- 
ing General  Ashby  advanced  from  Cedarville,  towards  Middletown, 
supported  by  skirmishers  from  Taylor's  brigade,  Avith  ChcAv's  battery, 
and  two  Parrott  guns  from  the  Rockbridge  artillery,  followed  by  the 
whole  command,  except  the  troops  left  under  command  of  General 
Ewell,  near  Cedarville.  General  Ewell,  with  Trimble's  brigade,  the 
first  Maryland  regiment  and  the  batteries  of  Brockonbrough  and  Court- 
nay,  had  instructions  to  move  towards  Winchester.  Ashby  Avas  di- 
rected to  keep  scouts  on  his  left,  to  prevent  Banks  from  passing  un- 
observed by  Front  Royal.  Brigadier  General  George  H.  StcAvart, 
who  was  noAv  temporarily  in  command  of  the  second  and  sixth  Vir- 
ginia cavalry,  had  been  previously  dispatched  to  NoAVtOAvn,  a  point 
further  north,  and  nine  miles  from  Winchester,  Avith  instructions  to  ob- 
serve the  movements  of  the  enemy  at  that  point.  He  there  succeeded 
in  capturing  some  prisoners,  and  several  wagons  and  amUulances,  with 
arms  and  medical  stores.  He  also  advised  me  of  movements  which 
indicated  that  Banks  Avas  preparing  to  leave  Strasburg. 

I  accompanied  the  movement  of  the  main  body  of  the  array  to  Mid- 


92 

dletown.  Upon  arriving  tliere  we  found  the  Viilley  turnpike  crowded 
■with  the  retreating  Federal  cavalry,  upon  -wliieh  the  batteries  of 
Poaguc  and  Chew,  with  Taylor'*?  infantry,  promptly  opened,  and  in  u 
few  moments  the  turnpike,  which  had  just  before  teemed  with  life, 
presented  a  most  appalling  spci^acle  of  carnage  and  destruction. 

The  road  was  literally  obstructed  with  the  mingled  and  confused 
mass  of  struggling  and  dying  horses  and  riders.  The  Federal  col- 
umn was  pierced,  but  what  proportion  of  its  strength  had  passed 
north,  towards  AVinchestcr,  I  had  then  no  means  of  knowing.  Among 
the  surviving  cavalry  the  wildest  confusion  ensued,  and  they  scat- 
tered in  disorder  in  various  directions,  leaving,  however,  some  two 
hundred  prisoners,  with  their  equipments,  in  our  hands.  A  train  of 
wagons  was  seen  disappearing  in  the  distance  towards  Winchester, 
and  Ashby,  with  his  cavalry,  some  artiller^^  and  a  supporting  infantry 
force  from  Taylor's  brigade,  was  sent  in  pursu*.  But  a  few  moments 
elapsed  before  the  Federal  artillery,  which  had  been  cut  off  with  the 
redr  of  the  column,  opened  upon  us  with  the  evident  intention  to  cut 
its  way  through  to  Winchester.  Our  batteries  were  soon  placed  in 
position  to  return  the  fire,  and  General  Taylor  was  ordered,  with  his 
command,  to  the  attack.  After  a  spirited  resistance,  this  fragment  of 
the  Federal  army  retreated  to  Strasburg,  and  from  theu-:;e  made  its 
escape  through  the  mountains  across  the  Potomac.  A  large  amount 
of  baggage  fell  into  our  hands  at  this  point.  Entire  regiments, 
apparently  in  line  of  battle,  had  laid  down  their  knapsacks  and  aban- 
doned them.  Having  become  satisfied  that  the  main  body  of  Banks' 
army  had  already  passed  this  point  on  its  way  to  Winchester,  our 
troops,  which  had  been  halted,  moved  on  in  pursuit  in  that  direction. 

The  large  number  of  wagons  loaded  with  stores  and  abandoned  by 
the  enemy  between  Middlftown  and  Newtown,  plainly  indicated  his 
hurried  retreat.  From  the  attack  upon  Front  Royal  up  to  the 
jiresent  moment,  every  opposition  had  been  borne  down,  and  there 
was  reason  to  believe  if  Banks  reached  Winchester  it  would  bo  with- 
out a  train,  if  not  without  an  army ;  but,  in  the  midst  of  these  hopes, 
I  wa?  pained  to  see,  as  I  am  now  to  record,  the  fact  that  so  many  of 
Ashby's  command,  both  cavalry  and  infantry,  forgetful  of  their  high 
trust  as  the  advance  of  a  pursuing  army,  deserted  their  colors  and 
abandoned  thcmpclves  to  pillage  to  such  an  extent  as  to  make  it  ne- 
cessary for  that  gallant  officer  to  discontinue  further  pursuit.  The 
artillery,  which  had  pushed  on  with  energy  to  the  vicinity  of  New- 
town, found  itself,  from  this  discreditable  conduct,  without  a  proper 
support  from  cither  infantry  or  cavalry.  This  relaxation  in  the  pur- 
suit was  unfortunate,  as  the  enemy  was  encouraged  by  it  to  bring  up, 
about  two  hours  later,  four  pieces  of  artillery,  which  were  planted  on 
the  northern  skirt  of  Newtown,  and  opened  upon  our  batteries.  Their 
fire  was  replied  to  by  Captain  Poague's  two  rifled  guns,  with  skill 
and  accuracy.  When  I  overtook  the,  advance  it  was  thus  held  in 
check  by  the  enemy's  artillery. 

Wc  were  retarded  until  near  dark,  when  the  Federals  retreated  and 
the  pursuit  was  renewed.  Aswe  advanced  beyond  Newtown  the  same 
profusion  of  abandoned  Federal  wagons,  loaded  with  stores,  met  the 


93 

eye,  but  we  derived  no  benefit  from  this  property,  as  the  time  lost 
during  the  disorder  and  pillage  before  referred  to,  and  the  consequent 
delay  of  our  advance  at  Newtown,  enabled  the  enemy  to  make  ar- 
rangements for  burning  them. 

Shortly  after  leaving  Newtown  the  advance  was  fired  upon  by  a 
body  of  the  concealed  enemy,  but  they  were  soon  driven  off  by  the 
thirty-third  Virginia  regiment,  Colonel  Neff,  and  the  march  resumed 

On  reaching  Bartonsville,  another  ambuscade,  from  the  right,  left 
and  front,  was  encountered,  and  heavy  firing  kept  up  for.  some  time. 
In  repelling  this  the  twenty- seventh  Virginia  regiment.  Colonel 
Grigsby,  second  Virginia,  Colonel  Allen,  and  the  fifth  Virginia,  Col- 
onel Baylor,  acquitted  themselves  with  credit.  Skirmishing  continued 
during  the  night,  the  enemy  aml^usealing  from  point  to  point.  So 
important  did  I  deem  it  to  occupy  before  dawn  the  heights  overlook- 
ing Winchester,  that  the  advance  continued  to  move  forward  until 
morning,  notwithstanding  the  darkness  and  other  obstacles  to  its 
progress.  The  other  troops  were  permitted  to  halt  for  about  an  hour 
during  the  night.  In  the  meantime.  Major  General  Ewell,  with 
Trimble's  brigade,  the  first  Maryland  regiment  and  Stewart's  cavalry, 
which  had  now  joined  him  from  Newtown,  and  Brockenbrough's  and 
Courtnay's  batteries,  was  jy^vavicing  to  Winchester  by  the  turnpike 
from  Front  Royal  to  that  place,  and  had  occupied  a  position  about 
three  miles  from  the  town  as  early  as  ten  o'clock  in  the  night,  and 
thrown  foTward  his  pickets  about  a  mile  in  advance  of  his  position. 
As  Ave  approached  Winchester,  soon  after  dawn,  the  enemy's  skirm- 
ishers were  occupying  the  hill  to  the  southwest,  overlooking  the 
town.  An  order  Avns  given  to  General  Winder  to  seize  that  height 
as  speedily  as  possible.  The  fifth  Virginia  regiment.  Colonel  Baylor, 
was  accordingly  throvrn  out  in  advance  as  skirmishers,  and  the 
second,  fourth,  twenty -seventh,  and  thirty-third  Virginia  regiments, 
being  placed  in  order  of  battle,  the  whole  line  was  ordered  to  advance, 
which  was  done  in  handsome  style,  and  the  position  on  the  crest 
secured,  although  the  enemy  made  a  resolute,  but  unsuccessful  effort 
to  dislodge  oiir  troops  from  so  commanding'  a  position.  Two  Parrott 
guns  from  the  Rockbridge  artillery,  and  the  batteries  of  Carpenter 
and  Cutshaw,  were  promptly  posted  on  the  height  to  dislodge  a  bat- 
tery of  the  enemy,  which  was  playing  from  the  front  with  great 
animation  and  effect  upon  the  hill. 

At  this  moment  a  body  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  were  seen 
crossing  the  ridge  to  our  left,  between  us  and  a  battery,  which  soon 
opened  an  enfilade  fire  upon  our  batteries.  Poague's  guns  were 
promptly  turned  to  the  left,  which  compelled  the  infantry  to  seek 
shelter  behind  a  stone  fence  from  which  their  fire  upon  our  cannon- 
iers  and  horses  was  for  a  while  very  destructive.  By  the  well  directed 
guns  of  Carpenter  and  Cutshaw,  the  Federal  battery  in  front  had  now 
become  silenced,  but  the  battery  upon  the  left  still  kept  up  a  brisk  and 
damaging  fire.  Withdrawing  his  battery  to  the  left  and  rear,  so  as  to 
avoid  the  exposure  under  which  he  was  severely  suffering,  Poague 
opened  his  guns  upon  the  enfilading  battery  of  the  enemy,  He  was 
also  directed  by  General  Winder  to  throw  some  solid  shot  against  the 


94 

fllone  wall,  under  the  slitlter  of  which  their  sharpahooters  were  pour- 
ing a  fatiil  fire  into  our  ranks. 

During  these  oporations  valuable  ofTicers  and  privates  suft'ered ; 
among  the  number  Colonel  J.  A.  Campbell,  commanding  second  brig- 
ade, was  wounded.  Whilst  the  enemy's  artillery  was  playing  upon 
our  position,  his  infantry  moved  to  the  left,  as  if  designing  to  get 
possession  of  that  portion  of  the  hill,  immediately  to  the  north  of  ua. 
General  Taylor  was  ordered  to  advance  his  brigade  to  tho  left  and 
check  the  movement 

Promptly  leaving  the  turnpike,  he  passed  under  cover  of  the  hill, 
in  rear  of  Winder,  and  formed  his  line  of  battle  in  the  face  of  a  heavy 
fire  of  artillery  and  musketry  from  the  sharpshooters,  the  tenth 
Virginia  infantry  takin.,r  position  on  the  left  and  the  twenty- third 
Virginia  on  the  right  of  his  line.  Steadily  and  in  fine  order  mount- 
ing the  hill,  and  then  fronting  the  enemy  where  he  stood  in  greatest 
strength,  the  whole  line  raag'iificently  swept  down  the  declivity  and 
across  the  field,  driving  back  tlie  Federal  troops,  and  bearing  down  all 
opposition  before  it. 

In  this  gjllant  advance  all  tho  troops  of  General  Winder  joined  ex- 
cept those  left  as  supports  to  the  batteries. 

This  successful  charge  being  followcli  by  the  giving  way  of  tho 
whole  Federal  army.  General  E'.zey,  who  had  been  in  reserve  on  the 
Valley  turnpike,  was  now  ordered  to  pursue,  and  eagerly  uniting  in 
the  general  advance,  soon  entered  Winchester  v,ith  the  other  troops. 
On  the  right  the  attack  under  General  Ewell  was  executed  v»'ith  skill 
and  spirit.  The  twenty-first  -Morth  Carolina  and  tho  twenty-first 
Georgia  gallantly  drove  back  the  advance  post  of  the  enemy.  The 
twenty-firet  North  Carolina  soon  became  exposed  to  a  destructive  fire 
from  a  Federal  regiment  posted  behind  a  stone  wall,  and  afcer  suffer- 
ng  severely  in  both  officers  and  men,  v/as  forced  to  fall  back.  The 
twenty-first  Georgia  having  succeeded  in  driving  that  regiment  from 
its  shelter,  reinforced  its  brjgade.  With  the  first  Maryland  regiment 
on  his  left,  and  Trimble's  brigade  on  his  riglit,  General  Ewell  now 
moved  towards  the  eastern  outskirts  of  the  town.  Thnt  advance  was 
made  about  the  time  that  Taylor's  brigade  was  ho  gallantly  crossing 
the  hill,  and  charging  towards  the  western  side  of  the  town. 

This  simultar.eous  movement  on  both  his  flanks,  by  which  his  retreat 
might  soon  have  been  cut  off,  may  account  for  the  cuddcnncss  with 
which  the  entire  army  gave  way  and  for  the  slight  resistance  which  it 
made  whilst  passing  through  the  town.  The  Federal  forces  were  now 
in  full  retreat. 

As  our  troops,  now  in  rapid  pursuit,  passed  through  the  town,  they 
were  received  with  the  most  enthusiastic  demonstrations  of  joy  by  its 
loyal  people,  who  for  more  than  two  months  had  been  suffering  under 
the  hateful  surveillance  and  rigors  of  military  despotism. 

Notwithstanding  the  fatiguing  marches  and  almost  sleepless  night 
to  which  the  mass  of  our  troops  had  been  subjected,  they  continued 
to  press  forward  with  alacrity.  The  Federal  forces  upon  falling  back 
into  the  town  preserved  their  organization  remarkably  well.  In  pass- 
ing through  its  streets  they  were  thrown  into  confusion,  and  shortly 


95 

after  debouching  into  the  plain  and  turnpike  to  Martinsbnrg,  and 
after  being  fired  upon  by  our  artillery,  tliey  presented  the  aspect  of  a 
mass  of  disordered  fugitives.  Never  have  I  seen  an  opportunity'  when 
it  was  in  the  power  of  cavalry  to  reap  a  richer  harvest  of  the  fruits 
of  victory.  Hoping  that  the  cavalry  would  soon  come  up,  the  artil- 
lery, followed  by  infantry,  was  pressed  forward  for  about  two  hours, 
for  the  purpose  of  preventing  by  artillery  fire  a  reforming  of  the  ene- 
my;  but  as  nothing  was  heard  of  the  cavalry,  and  as  but  little  or 
nothing  could  be  accomplished  without  it,  in  the  exhausted  condition 
of  our  infantry,  betv/een  which  and  the  enemy  the  distance  was  con- 
tinually increasing,  I  ordered  a  halt,  and  issued  orders  for  going  into 
camp  and  refreshing  the  men.  I.  had  seen  but  some  fifty  of  Ashby'a 
cavalry  since  prior  to  the  pillaging  scenes  of  the  previous  evening, 
and  none  since  an  early  hour  of  the  past  night.  The  sgcond  and  sixth 
Virginia  regiments  of  cavalry  were  under  the  command  of  Biigad;er 
General  George  II.  Stewart,  of  Ewell's  command. 

After  the  pursuit  had  been  continued  for  some  distance  beyond  the 
town,  and  seeing  nothing  of  the  cavalry,  I  dispatched  my  aid-de-carop, 
liieutenant  Pendleton,  to  General  Stewart  with  an  order  to  move  as 
rapidly  as  possible  and  join  me  on  the  Martinsburg  turnpike,  and 
carry  on  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy  with  vigor.  His  reply  was,  "  that 
he  was  under  the  command  of  Genoral  Ewell,  and  the  order  must 
come  through  him."  Such  conduct  and  consequent  delay  has  induced 
me  to  require  of  Lieutenant  (now  Major)  Pendleton  a  full  statement 
of  the  case,  which  is  forwarded  herewith. 

About  an  hour  after  the  halt  of  the  main  body  had  been  ordered, 
Brigadier  General  George  II.  Stewart  with  his  cavalry  came  up,  and 
renewing  the  pursuit  pushed  forward  in  a  highly  creditable  manner, 
and  succeeded  in  capturing  a  number  of  prisoners,  bat  the  main  bo  ly 
of  Banks'  army  was  now  beyond  the  revch  of  successful  pursuit,  and 
effected  its  escape  across  the  Potomac. 

Before  reaching  Bunker  hill,  General  Stewart  was  joined  by  Gene- 
ral Ashby  with  a  small  portion  of  his  cavalry.  Upon  my  enquiring 
of  General  Ashby  why  he  was  not  where  I  desired  him  at  the  close  of 
the  engagement,  he  stated  that  he  had  moved  to  the  enemy's  left  for 
the  purpose  of  cutting  off  a  portion  of  his  force.  General  Stewart 
pushed  on  to  Martinsburg,  where  he  captured  a  large  amount  of  army 
stores.  There  is  good  reason  for  believing  that  had  the  cavalry  played 
its  part  in  this  pursuit  as  well  as  the  four  companies  had  done  under 
Colonel  Flournoy,  two  days  before,  in  the  pursuit  from  Front  Royal, 
that  but  a  small  portion  of  Banks'  army  would  have  made  Its  escape 
to  the  Potomac. 

On  the  following  day,  (26th,)  divine  service  was  held  for  the  pur- 
pose of  rendering  thanks  to  God  for  the  success  with  which  He  had 
blessed  our  arms,  and  to  implore  His  continued  favor. 

In  order  to  make  a  demonstration  towards  the  Potomac..  General 
Winder,  early  on  the  morning  of  the  28th,  left  his  encampment,  near 
Winchester,  with  the  fourth,  fifth,  thirty-third  and  twenty-seventh 
Virginia  regiments,  and  Carpenter's  and  Poague's  batteries,  and  took 
up  the  line  of  march   for   Charlestown,   by   Summit   Point.     When 


96 

about  five  miles  from  Charlestown,  he  received  information   that  the 
enemy  was  in  possession  of  that  place  in  heavy  force. 

Upon  being  advised  of  this,  I  ordered  General  Ewell,  with  rein- 
forcements, to  his  support.  Notwith.standing  the  report  of  the  large 
number  of  the  enemy,  and  tiie  expectation.^  of  reinforcements  in  the 
course  of  the  day.  General  Winder  moved  forward  cautiously  towards 
Charlestowrr,  and,  as  he  emerged  from  the  wood,  less  than  a  mile  dis- 
tant from  the  town,  he  discovered  the  enemy  in  line  of  battle,  about 
fifteen  hundred  strong,  and  decided  to  attack  them.  Upon  the  appear- 
ance of  our  troops  they  were  firctl  upon  by  two  pieces  of  artillery. 
Carpenter's  battery  was  immediately  placed  in  position,  the  thirty- 
third  Virginia  regiment  to  support  it.  This  battery  was  so  admirably 
served,  that  in  twenty  minutes  the  enemy  retired  ia  great  disorder, 
throwing  away  arms,  blankets,  haversacks,  &c.,  &c. 

The  pursuit  was  continued  rapidly  with  artillery  and  infantry  to 
Halltown.  A  short  (distance  beyond  that  point,  observing  the  enemy 
in  position  on  Bolivar  Heights,  General  Winder  returned  to  the  vi- 
cinity of  Charlestown. 

On  the  following  day,  the  main  body  of  the  army  took  position  near 
Halltown,  and  the  second  regiment  Virginia  infantry  was  sent  to  the 
Loudon  Heights,  with  the  hope  of  being  able  to  drive  the  enemy  from 
Harper's  Ferry  across  the  Potomac. 

In  the  meantime  ShicMs  was  moving  from  Fredericksburg  on  my 
right,  and  Fremorit  from  the  South  Branch  on  my  left,  with  a  view  to 
concentrating  a  heavy  force  in  my  rear,  and  cutting  off  my  retreat  up 
the  Valley.  To  avoid  such  a  result,  orders  were  issued  for  all  the 
troops,  except  Winder's  brigade,  and  the  cavalry,  to  return  tojWinches- 
ter  on  the  Sllth.  Directions  were  given  to  General  Winder  to  recall 
the  second  regiment  from  Loudon  Heights,  and,  so  soon  as  it  should 
return  to  its  brigade,  to  move  with  his  command,  including  the  cavalry', 
and  rejoin  the  main  body  of  the  army.  Before  I  reached  Winchester,  the 
enemy's  cavalry  had  appeared  at  Front  Royal,  and  Colonel  Conner, 
who  held  that  town  with  the  twelfth  Georgia  and  a  section  of  Rice's 
battery,  hastily  and  improvidently  abandoned  the  place,  permitting  not 
only  Federal  prisoners,  then  in  our  possession,  but  some  of  his  own 
men,  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Quartermaster  and  commis- 
sary stores  which  we  had  previously  captured  at  that  place,  and  which 
Major  llarman  in  his  report  estimates  at  the  value  of  §300, 000,  were, 
before  they  could  be  recaptured  by  the  epemy,  through  the  vigilance 
and  energy  of  Captain  Cole,  A.  Q.  M.,  thirty-seventh  Virginia  regi- 
ment, fired,  with  the  depot  and  buildings  in  which  they  were  stored, 
and  destroyed. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  3 let,  the  twenty-first  Virginia  regi- 
ment. Colonel  Cunningham  commanding,  left  Winchester  in  charge  of 
some  twenty-three  hundred  (2300)  Federal  prisoners,  and  moved  up 
the  Valley  towards  Staunton.  He  was  followed  by  the  other  troops 
then  near  W^inchester,  which  at  that  time  embraced  all  my  command, 
except  that  part  which  had  been  left  with  Winder.  The  command  en- 
camped that  night  near  Strasburg. 

On  the  following  morning,  General  Fremont,  who  was  approaching 


97 

by  way  of  Wardenville,  attacked  my  outpost  in  that  direction.  As  it 
was  necessary  for  me  to  maintain  my  position  at  Strasburg  until  Win- 
der should  arrive  with  his  command,  General  Ewell  was  ordered  with 
his  division  to  hold  Fremont  in  check  ;  other  troops  were  subsequently 
sent  to  his  support,  and.  :ificr  a  spirited  resistance,  the  enemy's  ad- 
vance fell  back  a  short  distance. 

Towards  evening  Winder  arrived  ;  part  of  hif?  brigade  (the  second 
Virginia  regiment)  having  in  one  day  marched  thirty-six  miles.  The 
command  being  again  united,  the  retreat  was  resumed  towiirds  Harri- 
sonburg. 

The  public  property  captured  in  this  expedition  at  Front  Royal, 
Winchester,  Martinsburg  and  Charlestown,  was  of  great  value,  and 
80  large  in  quantity  that  much  of  it  had  to  be  abandoned,  for  want  of 
necessary  means  of  transportation.  Major  Harman,  my  chief  quar- 
termaster, had  hut  one  week  within  which  to  remove  it.  and  althouf^h 
his  efforts  were  characterized  by  his  usual  eneri^y.  promptitude 
and  judgment,-  all  the  conveyances  that  within  that  short  period  cculd 
be  hired  or  impressed,  were  inadequate  to  the  work.  The  medical 
stores,  which  filled  one  of  the  largest  store-houses  in  Winchester,  were 
fortunately  saved.  Most  of  the  instruments,  and  some  of  the  medicines 
urgently  neededat  that  time  by  the  command  were  issued  to  thesurgeons. 
The  residue  were  sent  to  Charlottesville  and  turned  over  to  a  Medical 
Purveyor.  Two  large  and  well  furnished  hospitals,  capable  of  accommo- 
dating some  seven  hundred  (70!))  patients,  were  found  in  the  town 
and  left  undisturbed,  with  all  their  stores,  for  the  use  of  the  sick  and 
wounded  of  the  enemy. 

Commissary  supplies,  consisting  of  upw?irds  of  one  hundred  (100) 
head  of  cattle,  thirty-four  thcusan^l  (34,000)  pounds  of  bacon,  flour, 
salt,  sugars,  coffee,  hard  bread,  and  cheese,  were  turned  over  to  the 
proper  authorities,  besides  large  amounts  taken  by  the  troops  and  not 
accounted  for.  Sutlers'  stores  valued  at  twenty-five  thousand  (25,000) 
dollars,  and  for  want  of  transportation,  abandoned  to  the  troops,  were 
captured.  Quartermasters'  stores  to  the  value  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  thousand  one  hundred  and  eighty-five  ($125,185)  dollars, 
were  secured,  besides  an  immense  amount  destroyed.  Many  horses 
were  taken  by  the  cavalry. 

Among  the  ordnance  stores  t&ken  and  removed  in  safety,  were  nine 
thousand  three  hundred  and  fifty-four  (9354)  small  arms,  and  two 
pieces  of  artillery  and  their  caissons. 

The  official  reports  of  the  casualties  of  my  command,  during  this 
expedition,  including  the  engagement  at  Front  Royal  and  Winches- 
ter, show  a  loss  of  sixty-eight  (68)  killed,  and  three  hundred  and 
twenty-nine  (329)  wounded,  with  three  missing,  making  a  total  loss  of 
four  hundred  (400). 

In  addition  to  the  prisoners  in  Colonel  Cunningham's  charge,  there 
were  found  in  the  hospitals  at  Winchester  about  seven  hundred  (700) 
eick  and  wounded  of  the  enemy,  and  at  Strasburg,  some  fifty,  making 
the  total  number  who  fell  into  our  hands  about  three  thousand  and 
fifty  (3tl50).  Those  left  in  the  hospitals  were  paroled.  Eight  Fede- 
ral surgeons,  attending  the  sick  and  wounded  at  Winchester,  were 
7 


98 

at  f  rftt  held  as  prisoners  of  war,  though  paroled,  and  the  next  day  un- 
conditionally released. 

Whilst  I  have  had  to  speak  of  some  of  our  troops  in  disparaging 
ter"  s,  yet  it  is  my  gratifying  privilege  to  say  of  the  main  body  of  the 
urifiv,  that  its  officers  and  men  acted  in  a  manner  worthy  of  the  great 
Canfio  for  which  they  ^vere  contending  ;  and  to  add,  that  so  far  as 
Ki"^  knowledge  extends,  the  battle  at  Winchester  was,  on  our  part,  a 
ba:tle  without  a  straggler. 

Colonel  S.  Crutchheld,  chief  of  artillery,  discharged  his  duties  to 
my  2ntire  satisfaction. 

For  the  prompt  transmitting  of  orders,  my  thanks  are  due  to  Major 
R.  h.  Dabney,  A.  A.  General;  first  Lieutenant  A.  S.  Pendleton,  A. 
D.  C. ;  first  Lieutenant  H.  K.  Douglas,  Acting  Assistant  Inspector 
General,  and  first  Lieutenant  J.  K.  Boswell,  chief  engineer.  Dr.  IT. 
Black,  acting  medical  director,  discharged  his  duties  well. 

Tl'.e  quartermaster  and  commissary  departments  were  efficiently 
manaiTed  during  the  expedition,  by  their  respective  chiefs.  Major  J. 
A.  liarmau  and  Major  W.  J.  Hawks.  My  thanks  are  also  due  to 
Beooud  Lieutenant  K.  K.  Meade,  acting  chief  of  ordnance.  Second 
Lieutenant  J.  M.  Garnett,  General  Winder's  ordnance  officer,  rendered 
valuable  service  in  removing  the  captured  ordnance  from  Winchester. 
For  further  particulars  respecting  the  conduct  of  officers  and  men, 
and  the  detail  movement  of  troops,  I  would  respectfully  call  your  at- 
tention to  the  accompanying  reports  of  other  officers. 

Accompanying  this  report  are  two  maps  by  Mr.  J.  Hotchkiss — one 
giving  the  route  pursued  by  the  army  from  Franklin,  Pendleton 
CO'aUty,  Virginia,  to  Winchester,  and  driving  of  the  enemy  ;  the  other 
is  a  map  of  the  battle  field. ' 

I  am,  General,  \ery  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

T.  J.  JACKSON, 
Lieutenant  General. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  EWELL. 

Headquarters  Third  Division,      ) 

New  Market,  June  4,   1862.  \ 

Major  R.  L.  Dabney, 

A,  A.   General,  Departme?it  of  the   Valley  : 

Major  :  I  have  th?  honor  to  report  the  movements  of  this  division:' 
from  Front  Royal  to  Winchester,  on  the  23rd,  24th  and  25th  of  May. 
The  attack  and  decided  rosults  at  Front  Royal,  though  this  division 
alone  participated,  were  the  fruits  of  Major  General  Jackson's  per- 
sonal superintendence  and  planning.  I  will,  therefore,  merely  state 
that  the  attack  was  made  by  the  first  Maryland  regiment,  Colonel 
Bradley  T.  Johnson,  and  by  Major  Wheat's  special  battalion  Louis-- 
iana  volunteers,  supported  by  the  sixtli,  seventh  and  eighth  regiments 
Louisiana  volunteers,  Colonel  Kelly,  of  the  eighth  Louisiana,  leading; 
his  regiment  through  the  river  under  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry. . 
The  Ft  deralists,  having  retired  their  infantry  under  cover  of  their 
artillery,  ceased  firing  after  the  engagement  had  continued  about 
three  hours. -  The  pursuit  was  rmmediately  commenced,  under  the 
direction  of  Brigadier  General  Stewart,  Maryland  line,  and  was 
carried  on  very  successfully  by  the  sixth  cavalry,  Lieutenr.nt  Colonel 
Flournoy,  and  second  cavalry,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Watts. 
These  officers  pursued  with  courage  and  energy,  capturing  two  pieces 
of  artillery,  the  field  and  staflf  officers  and  most  of  the  Maryland 
Federal  rcginients. 

A  fine  Parrott  piece,  abandoned  within  four  miles  of  Winchester, 
was  brought  ofi"  within  sight  of  the  enemy's  pickets  by  privates  Fon- 
taine and  Moore,  company  I,  sixth  cavalry,  who,  using  two  plough 
horses  from  a  neighboring  field,  brought  it  back  to  Front  Royal — a 
piece  of  cool  daring  hard  to  match 

At  six  o'clock  the  next  morning,  my  division  was  again  moving 
towards  Winchester.  Tne  head  of  the  column  had  marched  about 
eight  miles,  when  it  was  halted  by  Major  General  Jackson.  The 
brigades  of  Generals  Elzey  and  Taylor  were  detached  from  my  posi- 
tion on  the  Front  Royal  and  Winchester  turnpike,  and  carried  by  the 
Major  General  commanding,  with  his  division  of  the  army,  to  the 
road  leading  from  Strasburg  to  Winchester.  The  service  there  fen- 
dered  was  not  under  my  observation,  but  the  Federal  accounts  tell  of 
the  havoc  in  their  cavalry  by  the  Louisiana  brigade. 

Brigadier  General  George  H,  Stewart,  with  the  second  and  sixth 
cavalry,  cut  the  enemy's   line   at  Newtown,  between  Strasburg  and 
W^inchester,  capturing  some   hundreds  of  prisoners,  many  wagons, 
etc.     The  seventh  brigade.  General  Trimble  commanding,  remained' 
until  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  halted  by    Major   General  Jackson,, 
about  eight  miles  from  Front  Royal.     Seeing  then  that  the  enemy- 
were  retreating  before    General   Jackson   from  Strasburg,  I  imme- 
diately ordered  Generals  Trimble  and  Stewart  to  move  forward,  and' 


100 

reported  to  the  General  commanding  what  I  was  doing.  I  received 
orders  on  the  march  to  make  the  movement. 

The  twenty-first  North  Carolina,  under  Colonel  Kirkland,  drove 
in  the  enemy's  pickets  that  evening,  and  held  the  position  two  miles 
from  Winchester,  occasionally  skirmishing  during  the  night.  The 
rest  of  the  command  slept  on  their  arms,  about  three  miles  from 
Winchester. 

We  moved. at  dawn,  and  opencil  the  attack  at  four  minutes  past 
five  o'clock,  A  M.,  the  twenty-first  North  Carolina,  Colonel  Kirk- 
land, and  the  twenty-first  Georgia,  Colonel  Mercer,  gallantly  dashing 
into  the  western  part  of  the  town  and  driving  back  the  advanced 
posts  of  the  enemy.  The  twenty-first  North  Carolina  was  exposed 
to  a  murderous  fire  from  a  regiment  posted  behind  a  stone  wall. 
Both  of  its  field  officers  were  wounded,  and  a  large  number  of  pri- 
vates killed  and  wounded.  They  were  forced  back,  retiring  in  good 
order,  and  ready  to  renew  the  fight.  Colonel  Mercer,  of  the  twenty- 
first  Georgia,  drove  out  the  Federal  regiment,  and  joined  the  rest  of 
the  brigade  in  the  subsequent  movements.  The  Maryland  regiment, 
under  Colonel  Bradley  T.  Johnson,  had  been  sent  into  the  suburbs 
on  the  left,  where  it  remained. 

As  soon  as  the  balance  of  my  command — the  fifteenth  Alabama, 
under  Colonel  Cantey,  and  the  sixteenth  Mississippi,  uuder  Colonel 
"Posey — came  on  the  field,  I  joined  them  to  the  twenty-first  Georgia, 
and  the  mist  then  admitting  a  better  view,  I  adopted  the  suggestion 
of  Brigadier  General  Trimble,  and  marched  them  to  the  right.  This 
movement  was  immediately  followed  by  a  retrograde  one  of  the  ene- 
my, soon  converted  into  a  flight,  as  the  attack,  conducted  by  General 
Jackson  in  person,  on  the  south  side  of  the  town,  was  driving  them 
on.     The  affair  was  over  between  eight  and  nine  o'clock. 

Captain  Courtney  having  been  detached  on  duty  connected  with 
his  battery,  Lieutenant  J.  W.  Latimer  was  in  command  of  the  Court- 
ney battery,  and  was  exposed  during  the  whole  aftair  to  a  heavy 
cannonade.  This  young  officer  was  conspicuous  for  the  coolness, 
judgment  and  skill  with  which  he  managed  his  battery,  fully  support- 
ing the  high  opinion  I  had  formed  of  his  merits. 

Captain  Brockenbrough  brought  his  battery  into  action  at  a  later 
moment,  and  handled  his  battery  with  energy  and  effect. 

The  brilliant  services  rendered  by  Taylor's  brigade,  being  imme- 
diately under  the  direction  of  the  commanding  General,  are  not 
included  in  my  report  of  the  operations. 

Except  the  Maryland  regiment  and  the  cavalry,  the  attack  on  the 
east  of  the  town  was  made  by  the  troops  of  General  Trimble's  brig- 
ade, the  seventh.  I  am  indebted  to  that  officer,  on  more  than 
one  occasion,  for  valuable  counsel  and  suggestions. 

The  eighth  brigade.  General  Taylor,  commanding,  had  the  fortune 
to  be  so  posted  as  to  make  a  charge  which  closed  the  action. 

My  personal  staff  consisted  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  M.  Jones  and 
Major  James  Barbour,  of  the  Adjutant  General's  department,  and 
Lieutenants  G.  Campbell  Brown  and  T.  T.  Turner,  aids.  These 
officers  performed  all  the  duties  required  with  coolness  and  efficiency. 


101 

Captain  Powhatan  Robinson  and  Lieutenant  J.  James  Randolph, 
topographical  engineers,  and  Major  Snodgrass,  quartermaster's  de- 
partment, were  also  on  the  field. 

Above  all,  I  was  struck  by  the  uncomplaining  endurance  of  the 
men,  marching  and  fighting  almost  incessantly  for  three  days  without 
a  murmur,  willing  to  endure  to  the  limit  of  human  power,  and  only 
asking  to  come  up  to  the  enemy. 

I  enclose  a  report  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  except  of  the  cavalry, 
which  I  have  not  been  able  to  procure.  I  enclose  reports  of  Brig- 
adier G-enerals  Trimble  and  Taylor. 

Respectfully, 

R.  S.  EWELL,  Major  General. 


'■mi:.'**^}  i^if*" 


RErORT  OF  GENERAL  TRIMBLE. 

Headquartkrs  Seventh  Brigade,  ) 
May  26th,    1862.  \ 

Major  General  R.  S.  Ewell, 

Commanding  Third  Division  : 

General:  In  compliance  with  your  order,  I  report  the  losses 
and  principal  incidents  in  the  action  of  yesterday,  25th,  at  Win- 
chester. 

The  night  previous,  the  twenty-first  North  Carolina  regiment,  Col- 
onel Kirkland,  had  been  employed  in  .advance  as  skirmishers,  and 
reached  a  point  about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  town.  By  daylight 
they  moved  forward,  driving  the  enemy's  pickets  before  them,  and 
arrived  at  a  point  one  mile  from  Winchester  by  six,  A.  M.,  when  it 
was  seen  that  the  enemy  were  drawn  up  inline  of  battle  in  the  south- 
western part  of  the  town.  The  sixteenth  Mississippi,  Colonel  Posey; 
the  twenty-first  Georgia,  Colonel  Mercer,  and  the  fifteenth  Alabama, 
Colonel  Cantey,  preceded  by  the  Courtney  artillery,  of  six  piece?,  fol- 
lowed rapidly  on  the  Winchester  road,  and  all  reached  the  hill  a  mile 
from  town,  about  seven,  A.  M. 

Soon  after  the  twenty-first  North  Carolina  was  ordered  to  advance 
into  town,  and  was  -gallantly  led  forward  by  Colonel  Kirkland,  until 
he  encountered  a  destructive  fire  from  ambuscades  behind  the  walls. 
He  continued  to  advance  under  a  galling  fire,  until  supported  by  the 
twenty-first  Georgia,  Colonel  Mercer,  who,  seeing  the  position  of  the 
enemy,  was  enabled  to  drive  them,  by  a  flank  movement,  quickly  from 
their  position  into  the  city  ;  as  also  a  battery  of  the  enemy  just 
posted.  The  twenty-first  North  Carolina  and  twenty-first  Georgia 
were  then  removed,  the  latter  advancing  to  an  eminence  on  the  eiiat 
of  the  town,  threatening  his  flank.  The  Courtney  artillery  had  taken 
a  position  on  a  hill  one  mile  from  town,  but  after  a  few  shots  the  fog 
became  so  dense  as  to  obscure  for  half  an  hour  both  the  town  and 
valley.  At  about  eight  o'clock  the  fog  dispersed,  when  the  sixteenth 
Mississippi  was  moved  down  the  hill  within  view  of  the  enemy,  and 
took  a  position  on  the  east  of  the  town,  in  readiness  to  make  a  move 
on  the  enemy's  left  flank.  This  movement,  with  that  of  the  twenty- 
first  Georgia,  no  doubt,  had  an  influence  in  deciding  the  result  of  the 
day,  as  half  an  hour  after,  a  heavy  force  of  the  enemy,  supposed  to  be 
his  reserve,  were  seen  to  march  in  fjood  order   out   of  town  and  take 

1  1  •  •  • 

■  a  northern  direction  behind  woods,  were  soon  lost  to  our  view. 

As  the  fog  rose  Courtney's  artillery  opened  a  rapid  fire  on  the 
enemy's  batteries,  posted  on  a  hill  in  the  suburbs  of  the  town.  For 
half  an  hour  the  fire  exchanged  between  the  batteries  was  incessant 
and  well-directed  on  both  sides,  displaying  a  scene  of  surpassing 
interest  and  grandeur  on  that  sunny,  but  far  from  peaceful  Sabbath. 
The  battle  on  the  west  hills  of  the  town,  where  General  Jackson  com- 
manded, had  raged  incessantly,  with  the  single   intermission  caused 


103 

by  the  fog,  and  about  nine  o'clc^ck  a  hearty  cheer  from  the  sceao 
of  eonfiict,  told  the  success  made  on  the  right  flank  cf  tbe 
enemy,  who  were  seen  flying  in  broken  masses  towards  the  Marting- 
burg  turnpike.  At  this  time  I  received  your  order  to  advance  on  the  ene- 
my's flank,  and  "Cut  them  off  Had  this  movement  been  permitted  hilf 
an  hour  sooner,  (prevented  by  causes  known  to  you,)  the  retreat  of  the 
enemy's  reserves  would  have  been  completely  cut  off,  Tho  delay  of 
this  half  hour  enabled  them  to  get  so  far  'the  start  of  us,  that  it 
was  impossible  to  get  a  further  view  of  them  during  the  next  t-^O 
hours,  in  which  time  my  brigade  was  marched  nine  miles,  u:.t'l 
recalled  by  your  order.      I  subjoin  a  list  of  killed  and  wounded: 

Twenty-fust  North  Carolina,  (as  perfect  as  can  now  be  made  oui.)-  • 
Killed,  twenty-one;  wounded,  fifty-five  privates,  by  two  discharges. 
Among  tlae  wounded  are  Colonel  Kirkland,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Pep- 
per, (badly,)  Captain  Hedgecook,  (badly,)  Lieutenant  Bell  and  six 
other  officers      Captain  Ligon  killed. 

Tircnty-fird  Georgia  Ue.girne.nt,  Colonel  Mercer — Killed,  one  ; 
wounded,  sixteen.  Among  the  wounded  are  two  officers — Lieutenanta 
Butler  and  Early. 

The  pluck  and  enthusiasm  displayed  by  my  brigade,  marching  hun- 
gry and  partly  barefooted,  to  overtake  the  retreating  foe,  and  t>.Q 
ready  courage  and  calmness  with  which  they  encountered  the  enemy 
and  met  his  fires,  and  the  readiness  with  which  my  staff  officers  bore 
orders,  cannot  be  too  highly  commended. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  respectfull}',  yours, 

J.  R.  TIUMBLE, 

Brigadier  Gereral. 


REPORT   OF    GENERAL  G.    S.  WINDER   OF    OPERATIONS 
ON  MAY  23i),  24th,  25tm. 

IIkadulahtkus  First  liKrcAOK,  Vall?y  District, 
Camp  ntar  We.ycrs  Cave,  Ft/.,  June  11,  18G2. 

Major  R.  L.  Dabnev,  4-  ^-  ^■, 

Ifpadquarters  Valley  District  : 

Sir  :   l^   obedience   to  tlie  orders   calling  for    reports  of  the   part 
taken  in  the  oparations  of  May  23d,  24tli  and  2oth,  by  this  brigade,  I 
have  the  honor  to  state  :   The  first  brigade  left  its  bivouac,  three  miles 
beyond  Luray,  at'  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  23d  of  May,  and  marched  to 
Front  Royal,  twenty-six  miles,  camping    about  nine  o'clock,  P.  M. 
The  brigade,  being  the  roar  brigade  but  one  of   the  army,  arrived  too 
late  to  participate  in   the  nffair  of  that  day      On  the  morning  of  the 
24th   instant,  the  brigade   marched  at   eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on   the 
Winchester  road.     At  Cedarville  it  turned  to  the  left,  taking  the  road 
to   Middletown.     Firing  leing   heard,  the  march  to  MiddleCown  was 
made  vrithout  a   halt,  following  the  troops  in  advance  towards  Stras- 
burg.      At  this  point  I  received  orders  to  countermarch  the  command, 
and  move  towards  Winchester.     Three  regiments — fourth,  third  and 
second   regiments  Virginia  volunteers — having   already   filed  to  the 
left,  towards  Strasburg,  were  halted;   the  thirty-third   and  twenty- 
seventh  regiments  Virginia  volunteers  were  ordered  to  continue  for- 
ward  to  the  Valley   pike,  filing  to  the   right,  the  batteries  folloAving, 
the  four  pieces  of  (.'aptain  Poaguc's  battery  (two  Parrott  guns  having 
been  detached  in  the  morning,  ami  ordered  to  the  front,  Avith  Colonel 
Turner  Ashby,)  having  been  ordered  to  follow  the  leading  regiment. 
The  three  regiments  halted,  were  countermarched,  and  took  the  rear 
of  the   brigade.     The    march  was   continued    in    q^uick '  time    to  the 
vicinity  of  NcwtoAvn,  witliout  a  halt,  being  twelve  miles  from  Cedars- 
ville.     Here    I  found  Captain  I'oague's   Parrott  guns  in  action,   just 
above    the    town.     TliC  brigade  was    halted  beyond   the  reach  of   the 
enemy's  guns.     1  then  went  forward  so  see  General  Jackson,  and  met 
a  staff  officer  with  instructions  to  place  the  brigade  under  cover.      I 
directed   the   batteries   to  take  position  in  a  field  on  the  right  of  the 
road,  and  the  three  leading  regiments  to  be  placed  in  a  wood  on   the 
left.     About  Sunset,  I  received  orders  to  move  forward,  so  soon  as  the 
enemy's   batteries    sliould    be  withdrawn,  and    a    cessation    of   firing 
should  indicate  that.     I  ordered   the  brigade  formed,  and  not  hearing 
their  guns,  I   moved  forward,  following  Captain    Poaguc'g   two  guns. 
Shortly  after  dark  an  ambuscade  checked  the  march'.     General  Jack- 
son sent  for  two  coni{)anies  of  infantry  as  skirmishers.      I  directed  two 
companies  of  the  ailvatice    regiment  (thirty-third)  to  move   forward, 
which  was  promptly  done.     The  enemy  were  driven  off,  and  the  march 
resumed.     On  reaching  I^irtcnsviile,  another  ambuscade  was  encoun- 
tered, and  heavy  firing  on    both    sides    ensued.  '  Almost  at    the  first 
fire,  the  advance  cavalry  stampeded,  and  started  back  on  our  own  men, 


105 

doing  considerable  damage,  and  throwing  the  thirty-third  regiment 
into  such  confusion  that  it  was  impossible  to  rally  it  and  move  for- 
wai'd  to  support  its  skirmishers,  although  I  was  ably  assisted  by  its 
field  officers.  Failing  in  this  attempt,  I  rode  to  the  rear,  and  ordered 
up  the  twenty-seventh  regiment.  Colonel  A.  J.  Grigsby,  to  their  sup- 
port The  fire  being  heavy,  I  directed  the  second  regiment,  <'olonel 
J.  W.  Allen,  to  move  by  the  right  flank,  and  turn  the  enemy's  left, 
which  was  promptly  obeyed,  but  from  an  impassable  marsh  and  stream, 
it  did  not  succeed  in  executing  the  entire  movement  until  the  enemy 
had  been  driven  off  in  front.  The  fifth  regiment,  Colonel  W.  S.  11. 
Baylor,  was  also  ordered  to  take  position  on  right  of  road ;  but  so 
soon  as  the  position  was  carried  these  regiments  were  recalled,  and 
resumed  their  places  in  column.  Two  companies  of  the  fifth  regiment, 
raised  in  Winchester,  were  then,  by  order  of  General  Jack?on,  de- 
ployed as  skirmishers^  and  the  march  continued  towards  AVinchester. 
Skirmishing  continued  the  entire  night,  the  enemy  ambuscading 
wherever*  opportunity  offered.  A  company  of  the  second  regiment 
was  also  used  as  skirmishers,  being  familiar  with  the  country.  The 
skirmishers,  supported  by  the  eight  companies  of  the  fifth  regiment, 
continued^o  push  forward,  feeling  their  way,  until  daylight.  The 
remainder  of  the  command  halted  for  one  hour,  and  slept,  just  pre- 
vious to  daylight.  The  brigade  was  then  advanced  to  the  line  of 
skirmishers  at  Hollingsworth's  Mills.  Tlie  enemy's  skirmishers  were 
occupying  a  hill  just  beyond,  overlooking  Winchester.  This  I  re- 
ported to  General  Jackson;  and  ho  replied,  "  You  must  occupy  that 
hill."  I  directed  Colonel  A.  J.  Grigs^by  to  move  to  the  left,  under 
cover  of  the  hills,  and  occupy  a  woorled  hill  just  on  the  left  of  the  hill 
occupied  by  the  enemy;  Colonel  J.  W.  Allen,  commanding  the  second 
regiment,  to  take  position  to  the  right  of  Colonel  Grigsby,  supporting 
line  of  skirmishers,  and  carry  the  position  at  point  of  bayonet,  in 
connection  with  the  other  regiments.  Colonel  C.  H.  Konald,  com- 
manding fourth  regiment,  I  placed  on  the  right  of  the  road,  to  support 
extreme  right  of  the  line  of  skirmishers  ;  Colonel  Baylor,  fifth  regi- 
ment, retaining  his  position.  The  thirty-third  regiment,  Colonel 
John  F.  Neff,  was  held  in  reserve.  These  dispositions  made,  I  or- 
dered the  lines  to  advance,  which  was  done  in  handsome  style,  and  the 
position  carried.  I  at  the  same  time  ordered  up  Captain  JPoaguc's 
two  Parrott  guns,  and  conducted  them,  under  cover  of  some  houses, 
to  the  left,  directing  him  to  place  them  in  the  best  position  on  the 
crest  of  the  hill.  I  then  rode  to  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  found 
l*oague's  giins  just  being  placed  in  battery. 

The  enemy  had  opened  a  heavy  fire  of  shot  and  shell  on  our  men  so 
soon  as  they  occupied  this  hill,  and  drove  him  from  some  slight  breast- 
works he  had  held.  Seeing  their  position,  I  at  once  ordered  Captain 
Carpenter's  battery  up,  and  the  thirty-third  regiment  to  support  it. 
The  first  part  of  the  order  had  been  anticipated  by  General  Jackson. 
I  directed  Carpenter  to  place  his  long  range  guns  in  battery  on  the 
crest,  some  distance  to  the  right  of  Pongue.  About  thie  time,  Cap- 
tain Poague  reported  tc  me  that  a  battery  had  been  placed  in  position, 
and  opened  on  his  battery,  enfilading  it. -and   that  it  was  almost  im- 


106 

possible  to  use  his  guns.  I  directed  Colonel  Campbell,  whose  regi- 
ment had  just  arrived,  to  support  Carpenter's  battery;  to  move  to  the 
left,  and  with  Colonel  Grigsby,  if  practicable,  to  carry  the  battery.  I 
moved  to  the  right,  and  ordered  Captain  Cutshaw,  whom  I  there  met 
■with  his  battery,  to  place  his  long  range  guns  on  the  left  of  Carpen- 
ter's. The  twenty-first  regiment.  Colonel  John  M.  Patton,  I  directed 
to  support  Poague's  battery;  and  the  Irish  battalion,  Captain  Lee, 
accompanied  it.  The  enemy  soon  commenced  to  move  by  his  right 
flank.  Perceiving  this,  I  ordered  Colonel  Fulkerson,  commanding 
third  brigade,  who  reported  to  me  just  at  that  time,  to  place  a  regiment 
on  the  left  Hank.  Observing  the  same  move  on  the  part  of  the  enemy, 
I  sent  two  additional  regiments  there.  Not  seeing  the  thirty-third 
regiment  in  position,  I  again  sent  orders  for  it,  and  placed  it  in  support  of 
Carpenter's  battery.  I  directed  the  remaining  four  pieces  of  Poague's 
battery  to  take  position  on  the  left  of  the  Parrott  guns  ;  but  not  find- 
ing an  eligible  position,  they  were  placed  just  by  these  gun's.  Thj^ 
battery  was  handsomely  and  gallantly  served,  subjected  to  a  heavy 
fire  of  artillery  and  rifles,  which  did  much  execution.  A  regiment 
behind  a  stone- fence  did  much  execution  whenever  cannon|lrs  showed 
themselves,  until  1  ordered  solid  shot  fired  at  the  wall,  which  soon 
drove  thein  off. 

The  batteries  in  front  of  Carpenter's  hii\  Irig  bc-.-n  silenced,  I  ordered 
it  to  be  moved  to* the  extreme  left;  but  before  it  could  get  into  posi- 
tion, a  charge  was  made,  and  the  enemy  driven  from  his  position. 
Captain  Cutshaw  and  Lieutenant  Bartun  being  wounded,  I  placed 
First  Lieutenant  John  C.  Carpenter  in  command  of  Cutshaw's  bat- 
tery. Seeing  General  Ta^'lor's  brigade  in  position  to  charge  the  left, 
I  ordered  all  the  regin»ents,  except  the  supports  to  the  batteries,  held 
in  renditjess  for  the  charge,  and  to  move  forward  simultaneously. 
All  were  eager  for  the  charge,  and  moved  forward  rapidly  and  in  good 
order,  sweeping  the  entiie  field — the  enemy  leaving  his  position 
some  time  before  we  reached  it.  When  he  began  the  rctrent,  and  was 
in  some  confusion,  I  directed  the  batteries  to  be  opened  on  him  ;  but 
owing  to  their  di.^abled  and  exhausted  condition,  could  get  but  one 
piece  of  Cutshaw's  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Carpenter,  to  bear  on 
his  column.  This  sent  a  few  well-directed  shell  among  them.  The 
enemy  retreated,  at  first  in  good  order,  halting  near  the  town  to  give 
a  parting  shot,  and  then  retreating  in  the  greatest  disorder,  I  pressed 
forward  the  artillery,  having  followed  up  the  movements  of  the  in- 
fantry ;  but  their  exhausted  and  disabled  condition  prevented  their 
following  rapidly  ;  and  two  pieces  were  of  necessity  left  on  the  field 
for  several  hours,  before  they  could  be  brought  up  to  camp. 

I  pressed  forward,  through  and  beyond  the  town  ;  just  beyond,  I 
reformed  the  regiments,  as  far  as  practicable,  they  having  been  much 
scattered  in  passing  through  the  streets.  On  getting  them  partially 
formed,  I  moved  on  the  Martinsburg  road  some  four  miles  and-a-half, 
"when  orders  were  received  to  camp.  The  brigade  was  camped  in 
Stevenson's  Voods. 

It  affords  me  sincere  pleasure  to  bear  testimony  to  the  bravery, 
coolness,  and  handsome  conduct  of  the  oflficers  and  men   under  my 


107 

command.  Colonels  Allen,  Grigsby,  and  Baylor  conducted  tlieir  regi- 
ments forward  in  admirable  order,  driving  the  enemy  from  the  hill  ; 
and  with  true  bravery,  received  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery  and  infantry 
Ttvbilc  inactive,  awaiting  an  opportunity  to  dash  forward ;  which, 
when"  the  time  came,  they  did  in  gallant  stjle.  Colonel  Baylors 
horse  was  killed  passing  through  the  town,  and  his  leg  bruised  by  the 
ball.  Colonel  Neff  kept  bis  regiment  quietly  in  position,  supporting 
a  battery,  though  exposed  to  fire.  Colonel  Ronald  advanced  through 
the  town,  in  the  place  assigned  him,  though,  unfortunately,  was  not 
under  fire;  the  enemy  having  moved  everything  to  his  right.  Of 
Captains  I'oague,  Carpenter  and  Cutshaw,  their  officers  and  men,  I 
cannot  speak  too  highly.  The  skill,  judgment,  and  bravery  displayed 
by  them,  at  all  times  under  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery  and  infantry,  re- 
flect the  greatest  credit  upon  themselves.  'Opposed  by  a  greater 
number  of  guns,  admirably  served,  and  at  times  to  an  enfilading  fire, 
they  coolly  and  manfully  stood  by  their  guns,  Avorking  them  with  such 
precision  as  to  silence  a  greater  portion  of  the  enemy's.  The  loss  in 
these  batteries  will  attest  the  warm  positions  they  held  during  the 
action,  ^he  gallant  Cutshaw  and  Barton  fell  wounded  at  the  same 
moment;  the  latter  mortally,  within  sight  of  his  home,  containing  all 
most  dear  to  himself,  for  which  he  was  so  manfully  and  courageously 
fighting,  having  won  the  esteem  and  admiration  of  all,  and  met  a  sol- 
dier's death,  in  this  our  glorious  cause. 

To  my  personal  staft'.  Captain  John  F.  O'Brien,  A.  A.  G.;  Lieu- 
tenants M.  II.  Howard  and  J.  M.  Garnett,  aids-de-camp,  I  tender  my 
sincere  thanks,  for  their  readiness  and  promptness  in  transmitting  my 
orders,  frequently  under  a  heavy  fire  whilst  doing  so. 

The  casualties  in  the  brigade  are  as  follows  : 

Killed, 10,  rank  and  file. 

Wounded,      -----  57,  rank  and  file. 

For  particulars,  I  have  the  honor  to  refer  to  the  reports  of  the  sev- 
eral commanders,  herewith  transmitted.  The  entire  strength  of 
brigade,  on  going  into  action,  was  one  thousand  five  hundred  and 
twenty-nine,  rank  and  file. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

CHAS.  S.  WINDER, 
Brigadier  General  comniGnding, 


REPORT    OF   BRIGADIER    GENERAL    C.    S.    WINDER  OF 
OPERATIONS  ON  MAY  28TH. 

Headquarters  First  Brigade,  V.  D.,  ^ 

Camp  near   Weyers  Cave,    Va.,  \ 

June   15th,  1862.-     ) 

Major  R.  L.  Dabney, 

A.  A.   G.,  Headquarters   Valley  District  : 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  opera- 
tions of  this  brigade  on  the  28th  day  of  May,  1862  : 

In  obedience  to  orders  from  headquarters.  Valley  District,  the 
fourth,  fifth,  twenty-seventh,  and  twenty-third  regiments  Virginia 
volunteers,  with  Carpenter's  battery,  of  four  pieces,  and  Poague's,  of 
six,  left  their  camp  four  and  a  half  miles  from  Winchester,  at  five,  A. 
M.,  taking  up  the  line  of  march  for  Charlestown,  following  the  road 
passing  through  Summit  Point.  The  march  was  without  incident, 
until  within  five  miles  of  Charlestown,  when  I  learned  the  enemy  had 
advanced  in  force,  represented  from  four  thousand  to  five  thousand, 
and  possessed  himself  of  that  place.  I  at  once  dispatched  Lieuten- 
ant J.  M.  Garnett,  of  my  staff,  to^  General  Jackson,  at  Winchester, 
with  such  information  as  I  had,  asking  that  reinforcements  might  bo 
sent.  Being  without  cavalry,  I  pressed  into  service  all  stragglers  of 
that  arm  I  met  on  the  road,  some  fifteen  in  number,  which  the  gallant 
Captain  R.  P.  Ch  jw,  whom  I  met,  volunteered  to  command  and  advise 
me  of  the  enemy's  tnovements  in  front.  I  moved  forward  cautiously. 
Capt.  Chew  soon  informed  me  he  l;ad  met  the  enemy's  pickets  (cavalry) 
and  charged  them,  and  they  had  taken  cover  in  a  wood. 

I  ordered  two  companies  of  the  fifth  regiment,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Funk  cbramandiiig,  to  be  thrown  forward,  which  was  rapidly  done 
under  Captain  Burke.    The  enemy's  pickets  retired-after  a  few  shots. 

On  emerging  from  the  wood,  some  three-quarters  of  a  mile  from 
Charlestown,  I  discovered  the  enemy  in  line  of  battle,  some  fifteen 
hundred  strong,  (about  the  strength  of  this  brigade,  the  second  regi- 
ment having  been  left  in  Winchester  as  a  provost  guard,)  and  decided 
to  attack  him.  So  soon  as  we  were  discovered  he  opened  upon  us 
with  two  pieces  of  artillery.  Carpenter's  battery  was  placed  in  posi- 
tion, the  thirty-third  regiment  being  ordered  to  support  it.  This  bat- 
tery was  admirably  worked,  and  in  twenty- minutes  the  enemy  retired 
in  great  disorder,  throwing  away  arms,  blankets,  haversacks,  &c. 
The  pursuit  was  continued  rapidly  with  artillery  and  infantry.  Cap- 
tain Poaguc  was  ordered  up  with  a  gun  and  howitzer.  These,  with 
Carpenter's  guns,  were  placed  in  position  wherever  practicable,  and 
used  with  admirable  eft'ect,  frequently  causing  the  enemy's  cavalry  to 
leave  th^rear  of  his  column  and  move  parallel  to  it  in  fields.  The 
pursuit  was  continued  to  Ualltown.  On  reaching  ^hat  point  I  found 
the  enemy  in  line  of  battle  on  Bolivar  heights.  I  contented  myself 
with  the  success  of  the   morning,  posted  my  pickets,  and   camped  a 


109 

mile  from    Charlestown.      General    Ewell    arriving    about  dark,    I 
reported  to  him. 

It  aifords  me  tHe  liveliest  satisfaction  to  bear  testimony  •to  the  gal- 
■    lantry,  coolness,  and  bravery  of  the  officers  and  men  under  my  com- 
mand in  this  little  affair,    ever    enthusiastic    and   anxious   to    move 
forward,  freeing  this  beautiful  Valley  and  its  citizens,  known  to  be  so 
loyal,  from  the  miserable  vandals  who  then  oppressed  them 

The  enemy  wantonly  burned  the  market  house,  with  a  hall,  &c., 
over  it,  giving  as  an  excuse  that  some  twenty  bushels  of  grain  would 
fall  into  our  hands.  We  captured  ten  horses  and  equipments,  one 
captain  and  eight  privates  of  the  first  Maryland  cavalry,  with  some 
stores.  Our  casualties,  one  wounded  in  the  thirty-third  regiment 
Virginia  volunteers  by  shell. 

My  thanks  are  eminently  due,  and  the  same  are  hereby  tendered,  to 
Captain  Chew  for  his  able  assistance  and  the  great  amount  of  infor- 
mation given  me  as  to  the  country,  thus  enabling  me  to  press  for- 
ward rapidly,  when  totally  ignorant  of  the  country  myself.  To  ray 
f  staff — Captain  O'Brien,  Lieutenants  Howard  and  Garnett — I  tender 
■  my  thanks  for  their  services  in  transmitting  n;iy  orders  rapidly  at  all 
times. 

The  strength  of  my  brigade  was  thirteen  hundred  and  thirty-sevon, 
rank  and  file. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

CIIAS.  S.  WINDER, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


#*- 


RE]»ORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  TAYLOR. 

Headqi;arters  Eighth   Brigade, 
May  26,  1862. 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  render  the  following  report  in  regard 
to  the  actions  of  the  23d,  24th  and  25th  instant,  in  which  ray  brigade 
•  .was  engaged : 

On  the  23rd,  the  first  Maryland  regiment  (Brigadier  General  Stew- 
art,) being  in  advance,  the  brigade  reached  the  heights  above  Front 
Royal  about  threo  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  enemy  opening  upon  us  with 
shell  at  the  same  time  Here  Major  Wheat's  battalion  of  five  compa- 
nies were  immediately  ordered  forward  into  the  town,  to  assist  the 
Maryland  regiment  in  dislodging  the  enemy,  the  sixth  Louisiana  re- 
giment following  as  a  reserve.  Major  Wheat  performed  his  part  in 
gallant  style,  charging  through  the  town  and  drawing  up  his  command 
on  the  bank  of  the  Shenandoah,  in  position  sheltered  from  the  ene- 
my's shells,  the  threo  remaining  regiments — seventh,  eighth  and 
ninth  Louisiana — at  the  same  time  advancing  in  parallel  lines  through 
the  fields  and  woods  and  to  the  south  and  west  of  the  town. 

The  detail  of  the  engagement  having  occurred  under  the  eye  of  the 
Major  General  commanding,  it  is  not  necessary  to  mention  them  fur- 
ther. The  whole  brigade  was  under  the  fire  of  artillery,  and  behaved 
well. 

On  this  day,  the  seventh  Louisiana  lost  one  private  killed,  and  one 
badly  wounded.  AVheat's  battalion  lost  one  killed  and  six  wounded, 
one  an  officer,  (Lieutenant  Grinnell,)  wounded  in  the  hand.  It  is 
with  deep  regret  that  I  have  also  to  report  the  loss  of  Major  Aaron 
Davis,  my  brigade  commissary.  After  crossing  the  river  he  became 
separated  from  my  staff,  and,  as  I  afterwards  learned,  led  on  by  a  fatal 
impetuosity,  joined  in  the  cavalry  charge  of  Colonel  Munford's  regi- 
ment, met  his  death  charging  at  its  head.  He  was  killed  by  a  bullet 
entering  his  right  breast. 

On  the  24th,  the  skirmishers  of  my  brigade  again  encountered  the 
enemy's  cavalry  near  Middletown,  cutting  their  column  in  two,  and 
killing  and  capturing  a  large  number  of  them,  also  many  horses  and 
wagons,  the  latter  loaded  with  various  stores  of  value,  such  as  medi- 
cines and  other  hospital  stores.  The  brigade  being  constantly  in  mo- 
tion it  is  impossible  to  state  the  exact  number  of  the  enemy  killed  or 
captured  in  this  skirmis.h 

I  have  the  honor  to  hand  over  to  you  two  jBaga  captured  in  action 
on  this  day,  by  companies  A  and  B  of  the  eighth  Louisiana  regiment, 
under  command  of  Major  McArthur.  Our  loss  in  the  skirmish  was 
three  killed  and  twelve  wounded. 

On  the  morning  of  the  25th,  being  ordered  by  Major  General  Jack- 
son to  execute  a  flank  movement  upon  the  enemy's  strong  position  in 
front  of  Winchester,  the  brigade  was  formed  into  line  of  battle  in  the 
face  of  a  severe  fire  of  artillery  and  musketry,  the  seventh  regiment 
acting  as  a  reserve.     The  advance  and  subsequent  charge  were  both 


Ill 

conducted  steadily  and  in  good  ordep,  resulting  in  the  dislodgment  of 
the  enemy  and  the  capture  ot  the  toAvn.  We  lost  on  this  occasion,  in 
killed,  Major  McArthur,  sixth  Louisiana,  and  fourteen  privates  ; 
wounded,  Lrieutenant  Colonel  Nichols,  eighth  Lovisiana,  badly  in  the 
elbow  ;  two  captains,  two  lieutenants,  and  eighty-five  privates. 

Recapitulation  for  the  three  days  : 

Killed.  "Wounded. 

Officers,         ...  2  6 

Privates,  .         -  10  103 

Total,  21  109 

Four  guidons,  captured  by  the  seventh  Louisiana  regiment,  in  the 
skirmish  at  Middletown,  have  just  been  sent  in,  and  are  herewith  for- 
warded. 

To  enumerate  all  the  acts  of  gallantry  and  good  conduct,  would  ex- 
tend this  report  to  an  improper  length.  Colonels  Seymour,  Hays, 
Kelly  and  Stafford,  of  the  sixth,  seventh,  eighth  and  ninth  Louisiana, 
led  their  regiments  into  the  action  with  the  most  distinguished  bravery. 

Major  Wheat,  with  a  part  of  his  battalion,  detached  on  the  left, 
rendered  valuable  service  in  assisting  to  repel  the  attempt  of  the  en- 
emy's cavalry  to  charge  our  line. 

Captain  Surget,  A.  A.  General,  and  Lieutenant  Hamilton,  aid-de- 
camp, carried  orders  under  the  hottest  fire,  with  coolness  and  precis- 
ion, the  former  having  his  horse  struck  several  times. 

To  private  IL  B.  Richardsrn,  of  the  sixth  Louisiana  regiment,  1 
am  particularly  indebted  for  valuable  services  in  leconnoitering  and 
gaining  important  information  of  the  enemy's  position  and  move- 
ments, while  acting  as  a  mounted  orderly  during  the  engagement  of 
the  25th,  and  would  earnestly  recommend  him  to  the  Government  for 
an  appointment  as  Lieutenant  in  the  Provisional  army. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  TAYLOR, 
Brigadier  General  commanding . 


RErORT  OF  COLONEL  TALIAFERRO. 

Headquarters  Twenty-third  Va.  Volunteers,  ) 
Camp  near  Winchester,  May  28,  1 86 2.       5 
Captain  Pendleton  : 

Captain:  In  obe«lifince  to  special  order  No.  — ,  I  have  the  honor 
to  submit  the  followirg  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  twenty-third 
regiment  of  Virginia  volunteers  in  the  late  battle  of  the  20th  May, 
at  Winchester  : 

Early  in  the  morning  of  that  Jay,  orders  were  received  to  advance 
from  our  position  in  the  road,  where  the  ni^ht  previous  we  had  halted 
about -twelve,  M.,  to  enable  our  exhausted  troops  to  gain  a  few  hours' 
sleep.  The  twenty-third  was  the  front  regiment  of  the  third  brigade, 
at  Union  Mills,  under  orders  of  Colonel  Fulkerson,  commanding  bri- 
gade. I  filed  my  command  to  the  left,  at  nearly  right  angles  to  the 
main  turnpike,  to  support  a  section  of  Captain  Poague's  battery,  then 
advancing  to  take  position  in  front  of  the  enemy,  I  subsequently 
received  orders  from  General  Jackson,  in  person,  in  case  the  enemy 
changed  his  position  to  charge  the  battery.  1  saw  evidences  of  a 
change,  and  ordered  my  regiment  to  charge,  which  they  did  in  gallant 
style.  On  passing  over  the  hill,  we  received  repeated  volleys  of  grape 
from  the  enemy.  On  emerging  from  the  hill  we  passed  a  small  valley, 
and  passed  over  the  hill,  and  found  one  piece  and  one  caisson  had 
been  abandoned  by  the  enemy.  The  object  of  the  move  being  secured, 
we  foraicd  line  of  battle  and  moved  forward  to  the  right,  pressing  the 
enemy  till  four  miles  beyond  Winchester,  when  we  were  ordered  to 
halt.  The  regiment  behaved  well  during  the  fight.  Below  I  append 
a  list  of  casualties  : 

Company  A. — Private  James  Moss,  slightly  wounded. 

Company  C. — I^rivate  Thomas  Brown,  slightly  wounded. 

Company  E. — Privates  D.  W.  launders,  in  neck  and  shoulder  ;  W. 
A.  Blackwell, jaw-bone  broken;  R.  J.  Petty,  slightly  in  shoulder. 

Company  F. — Private  J.  J,  Webber,  slightly  in  foot. 

Company  K. — Private  J.  Berry,  slightly  in  hand. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted.     By  order  of 

A.  G.  TALIAFERRO, 

Colonel  commanding. 

G.  T.  Wadely, 

Lieutenant  and  acting  Adjutant. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  ALLEN. 

Camp  near  New  Market,  June  4,  1SG3, 

Captain  O'Brien,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Captain  :  In  obedience  to  special  order  No.  — ,  I  have,  the  honor 
to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  Fe^ond  rc<n- 
ment  Virginia  volunteers  in  the  engagement  near  p.nd  at  Winchester, 
Frederick  county,  Virginia,  Saturday  night  and  Sunday,  May  24th 
and  25th.  On  arriving  near  Newtonn,  just  before  suriset,  our  ad- 
vance was  delayed  by  the  enemy's  fire  from  the  hills  beyond,  until 
after  dark.  When  the  brigade  resumed  the  line  of  march,  the  thirty-  • 
third  regiment  was  in  advance,  followed  by  the  twenty-seventh,  the 
second  occupying  the  centre  of  the  briijade.  We  continued  our 
inarch  in  this  manner,  with  slight  skirmishing  in  front,  until  about 
one,  P.  M.,  when  our  advance  guard  of  cavalry  was  driven  back  by 
a  heavy  volley  from  the  enemy,  concealed  in  an  orchard  near  the  lef: 
of  the  road.  Immediately  the  advance  regiments  were  ordered  to 
the  left  and  front.  Receiving  an  order  from  General  Winder  to  that 
effect,  I  directed  the  head  of  my  regiment  at  right  angles  to  the  road, 
and  then,  by  the  left  flank,  moved  parallel  to  the  turnpike,  until, 
arriving  at  the  stream,  I  found  it  impossible  to  advance  by  the  front, 
and  ciQssed  by  the  flank  on  a  narrow  foot-way  ;'  before  accomplishing 
which,  I  received,  through  Lieutenant  Garnett,  orders  to  return  to 
the  turnpike  The  fifth  regiment  had  passed  before  I  reached  the 
road.  In  this  manner  we  advanced,  with  four  companies  as  skirm- 
ishers, (company  F,  second  regiment,  being  one  of  them,)  until  after 
we  had  passed  through  Kernstown,  sharp  skirmishing  occurring  on 
the  road.  At  this  point  we  remained  till  after  dawn,  when  the  order 
was  given  to  move  forward.  Arriving  at  Perkins'  mill,  the  twenty- 
Beventh  was  filed  to  the  left  of  the  road,  and  1  received  an  order  from 
General  Winder  to  take  the  direction  of  the  twenty-seventh,  second 
and  fifth  regiments,  and  occupy  the  heights  to  the  left  of  the  turn- 
pike, on  which  there  was  a  breastwork,  and  across  whi  ;h  the  enemy's 
line  of  skirmishers  was  already  extended.  Skirmishers  were  thrown 
forward  from  the  twenty-seventh  and  fifth,  and  the  main  bodies  of  the 
second  and  twenty-seventh,  immediately  after  crossing  the  run, 
moved  forward  promptly  and  soon  occupied  the  position  indicated. 
Immediately  on  reaching  the  cr£St  of  the  hill,  a  battery,  about  four 
hundred  yards  in  advance,  opened  on  my  regiment.  I  drew  it  back 
slightly  under  the  crest  of  the  hill,  where  we  remained  over  an  hour, 
subject  to  the  direct  and  enfilading  fire  of  the  enemy's  guns,  two 
shells  from  which  fell  and  exploded  exactly  in  companies  I  and  H  of 
my  regiment.  The  men,  during  this  trying  time,  maintained  their 
position  with  perfect  coolness,  and  when  I  received  an  order  from 
General  Winder  to  advance,  as  the  enemy  were  being  driven  back  by 
General  Taylor's  brigade  on  our  left,  every  man  started  forward  iu 
admirable  style.  After  passing  the  ridge,  behind  the  crest  of  whict. , 
8 


114 

I  had  taken  my  first  position,  I  discovered  the  enemy  about  to  take 
advantage  of  a  stone  wall,  directly  in  front  of  General  Taylor's  brig- 
ade, 10  make  a  stand  ;  whereupon,  I  directed  my  regiment,  together 
with  the  companies  of  the  fifth  which  had  been  thrown  forward  as 
fskirmishers,  by  the  right  flank  and  passed  the  end  of  the  wall,  thus 
turning  the  flank  of  the  force  holding  it,  when  a  well  directed  fire 
from  my  men  drove  them  off  at  a  riui,  closely  pursued  into  the  town 
by  the  men  of  the  second  and  fifth  regiments.  Colonel  Baylor  and 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Botts  dashed  down  one  street.  I  crossed  to 
Loudon,  or  Main  street,  with  the  larger  part  of  the  second  anl  some 
of  the  fifth.  Finding  all  tlie  enemy  that  had  been  driven  ffjra  the 
heights  west  of  town  had  taken  this  street,  I  pressed  them  closely 
and  drove  them  entirely  through  the  town,  where  they  united  with 
the  column  which  passed  down  Railroad  street. 

Having  but  few  men  left  with  me,  and  these  mostly  exhausted  from 
•.he  long  run  and  previous  march  of  the  day  and  night  before,  I  halted 
and  gave  way  to  the  other  troops  which  then  made  their  appearance 
on  that  side  of  town. 

1  cannot  too  highly  commend  the  coolness  and  perseverance  of 
both  oflScers  and  men  during  the  night  march  from  Newtown  to  Kerns- 
town,  during  which  there  was  continual  skirmishing  with  an  invisible 
enemy,  and  in  which  some  of  my  men  were  wounded  ;  and,  also, 
during  the  trying  time  they  were  exposed  to  the  sharp  fire  from  the 
battery  of  the  enemy,  not  more  than  four  hundred  yards  in  their 
front,  whose  shells  were  constantly  exploding  immediately  over  our 
position,  and  two  of  which  fell  in  our  midst.  Also,  during  the  pur- 
suit through  the  town,  when,  though  the  ranks  were  entirely  broken, 
and  the  enemy  were  constantly  turning  and  firing  upon  them,  they 
still  pressed  on  and  captured  many  prisoners  who  were  overtaken. 

Strength,  rank  and  file,  three  hundred  and  ninety-two. 

Accompanying  this  is  a  list  of  the  casualties. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

J.  W.  ALLEN, 
Colonel  Second  Kegiment. 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  in  the  Second   Regiment    Virginia   Falun- 
iters  at   Winchester,  May  25;  1862. 

Company  A — Wra.  H.  Pope,  wounded. 
Company  C — Private  Mock,  wounded. 

Company   D — Privates    John    L.    Fisher    and   John    L.    Detter, 
wounded. 

Company  E — Privates  Fistor,  Eversole,  O'Connor,  and  Tuckwiler, 
wounded. 

Company  G — Private  J.  W.  Rider,  wounded. 
Company  H — Privates    McCormick    and   Estes,   killed;    private 
,  Lucas,  wounded. 


115 

Company  I — Privates  John  S.  Daugherty  and  John  I.  Dobbins, 
killed  ;  privates  George  Furr,  N.  R.  R.  Hart,  and  G.  W.  Alexander! 
wounded. 

Company  K — Private  Wm.  Wiseman,  wounded. 

Killed 4 

Wounded 1 4 

Total 18 

J.  W.  ALLEN, 
Colonel  Second  Regiment 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  NEFF. 

Bivouac  near  New  Market,  Jane  4,  18G2. 

Oaptain  J.  F.  O'Brien, 

A.  A.  General  First  Brigade  : 

Sir:  In  relation  to  the  part  taken  by  ray  regiment  in  the  affairs 
upon  the  road  to  Winchester,  on  the  23d  and  24ih  ultimo,  I  have  the 
honor  to  make  the  following  report : 

On  the  23(1,  at  dawn,  we  left  camp  near  Luray,  Page  county,  and 
marched  towards  Front  Royal.  As  my  comraantl  was  not  engaged  at 
the  latter  pkce,  it  is  unnecessary  to  say  more  than  that  vre  bivouacked 
for  the  night  northeast  of  Front  Royal.  On  the  morning  of  the  24th, 
I  moved  from  bivouac  at  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  and  marched  with  the 
brio'ade,  on  the  Winchestec  road,  about  three  miles,  where  tto  were 
halted.  About  twelve  t)'clock,  M.,  we  again  moved,  taking  the  AJid- 
dletown  road..  Arriving  at  this  place,  where  the  enemy  made  a  brief 
stand,  I  was  ordered  into  a  wood,  on  the  west  of  the  Valley  turnpike, 
immediately  in  rear  of  the  twenty-seventh  Virginia,  and  some  four 
hundred  yards  to  the  left  of,  I  think,  Poague's  battery.  After  re- 
maining quiet  for  an  hour  or  more,  I  again,  pursuant  to  an  order, 
took  up  the  line  of  march  to\<^rds  Winchester,  in  front  of  the  brigade, 
except  Tongue's  guns.  About  ten  or  eleven  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when 
some  two  miles  or  more  beyond  Newtown,  the  enemy  was  discovered 
in  a  wood  at  Barton's  Milk,  and  I  was  ordered  to  send  two  companies 
to  drive  them  out.  Company  A,  Captain  P.  T.  Grace,  and  company 
F,  Captain  A.  Spengler,  were  ordered  forward.  After  a  moment  or 
two  had  elapsed,  the  skirmish  began  ;  and  at  the  first  shots  of  the 
enemy,  (whose  fire  enfiladed  the  road,)  the  few  cavalry  in  front  rushed 
to  the  rear,  by  the  battery  and  through  my  ranks,  riding  over  and  in- 
juring seveial  of  my  officers  and  men  ;  and  creating,  for  the  moment, 
*a  scene  of  the  most  mortifying  confusion.  With  the  assistance  of  my 
field  officers,  I  soon  gathered  the  men  who  had  broken  ranks,  and  took 
them  forward  to  snpport  my  skirmishers  ;  but  support  was  unneces- 
earv,  as  they  had  already  driven  the  enemy  off,  and  the  twenty-seventh 
had  advanced  beyond  me.  My  loss  in  the  skirmish  was — from  com- 
pany A,  two  wounded,  from  company  F,  six  Avounded. 

1  avail  uiypelf  of  this  opportunity  to  express  my  high  appreciation 
of  the  gallant  manner  in  which  Captains  Grace  and  Spengler,  with 
their  men,  behaved  in  this  little  affair,  as  they  have  invariably  done, 
in  the  frequent  engagements  in  which  1  have  observed  them. 

We  continued  the  march  all  night,  excepting  a  halt  of  two  hours  at 
Kernstown  ;  and  at  daylight,  on  Sunday  morning,  May  25th,  it   was 
xny  privilege  to  aid  in  the  attack  upon  General  Banks  at  Winchester. 
Having  already  submitted  my  report  for  that  day, 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  F.  NEFF, 
Colonel  commanding  Thirty-Third  Virginia  regiment.  . 


117 

Headquarters  Thirtt-Third  Regiment  Va.  Infantrt, 

June  16,  18G2. 

REPORT  OF  THE  KILLED  AND  WOUNDED  of  the  Thirty- 
Third  Regiment  Virgi7iia  Infantry,  in  the  several  engagemtnts  with  the 
enemy  at  Winchester  and  Charlcstown  : 

B  vTTLE  OF  Winchester  : 

Company  F — Private  Daniel  Harris,  killed;  Sergeant  William  H. 
Beans,  severely  -R-ounded  ;  Sergeant  Thomas  Foster,  slightly  -woundod  , 
Corporal  Richard  Thrasher,  slightly  wounded  ;  Privates  William  Ma- 
phis  and  Lorenzo  Walker,  severely  wounded. 

Company  A — Private  Wesley  Alderton,  severely  wounded. 

Summary : 
Killed,  1  ;  wounded,  G. 

Battle  of  Charlestown  : 

Company  I — Private  B.  T.  Argenbright,  wounded. 

Wounded,  1. 
iNone  killed  or  wounded  at  the  battle  near  Port  Republic. 

JOHN   F.  NEFF, 
Colonel  commanding  Thirty-Third  Virginia  hfantry. 
D    II.  Walton,  Adjutant. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  FULKERSON. 

Headquarters  Third  Brigade,  Valley  District,  ) 
Camp  near  Winchister,  Va.,  May  28,  1862.       ) 

To  Major  R.  S.  Dabney,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir  :  In  making  my  report  of  the  part  acted  by  the  third  brigade, 
in  the  battle  near  Winchester,  on  the  2oth  instant,  I  had  to  say.  that 
on  the  morning  of  the  21th,  the  brigade  left  its  bivouac,  four  miles 
south  of  Front  Royal,  at  daylight,  and  marched  to  Middletown,  and 
thence  down  the  main  Valley  pike,  in  the  direction  of  Winchester. 
Owing  to  delay  occasioned  by  enemy's  skirmishers  embarrassing  tho 
advance  of  the  column,  daylight  opened  upon  us  near  Kernstown, 
after  which  we  quietly  advanced  to  the  mills  south  of  Winchester,  at 
which  time  a  vigorous  fire  was  going  on  between  our  own  and  the 
enemy's  batteries.  I  was  ordered  to  file  my  brigade  to  the  left  of  tho 
pike,  and  take  position  under  shelter  of  a  hill,  for  the  purpose  of  sup- 
porting one  of  our  batteries  I  was  also  ordered  to  report  to  General 
Winder,  who  was  already  upon  the  ground.  I  placed  the  twenty- third 
-and  thirty-seventh  Virginia  volunteers  in  the  position  indicated,  when 
General  Winder  ordered  me  to  occupy  a  wooded  hill  to  my  left,  in  an 
adjoining  field,  with  one  regiment,  which  position,  he  informed  me, 
the  enemy  were  on  the  move  to  occupy.  I  at  once  ordered  Colonel 
Warren,  with  the  tenth  Virginia  volunteers,  to  take  position  on  the 
hill,  which  he  quickly  did.  In  a  short  time  General  Winder  ordered 
me  to  place  another  regiment  on  the  hill  with  the  tenth,  when  I  or- 
dered Majcr  Williams  to  march  the  thirty-seventh  there,  which  he  did 
with  dispatch.  During  all  the  time  of  these  movements,  and  in  fact 
from  the  time  when  the  brigade  first  entered  the  field,  it  was  exposed  to 
severe  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries  and  long  rang  small  arms.  After 
these  movements  had  been  executed.  Colonel  Taliaferro  was  ordered 
to  move  the  twenty-third  forward,  and  charge  a  battery  of  the  enemy 
in  the  front.  He  pushed  forward  his  regiment  in  gallant  style ;  but 
in  the  meantime, •General  Taylor's  Louisiana  brigade  had  come  upon 
the  field,  formed,  and  moved  in  the  direction  of  the  enemy,  coming  up 
upon  the  left  of  Colonel  Taliaferro.  The  thirty- seventh  and  tenth 
followed  immediately  after  General  Taylor's  brigade.  On  reaching  the 
top  of  the  riflge  on  whicn  the  enemy's  batteries  had  been  placed,  a 
sharp  musketry  fire  ensued ;  but  soon  a  general  charge  was  made,  by 
our  whole  line,  when  the  enemy  gave  way,  and  fled  precipitately  through 
Winchester,  in  the  wildest  confusion.  We  followed  in  immediate 
pursuit,  on  the  Martinsburg  road,  for  four  miles,  when  we  were  halted. 
Lists  of  the  casualties  is  herewith  furnished,  from  which  it  will  be 
seen  that  the  loss  of  the  brigade  is  comparatively  light. 

Colonel  Taliaferro,  commanding  the  twenty-third  ;  Colonel  Warren, 
commanding  the  tenth,  and  Major  Williams,  commanding  the  thirty- 
seventh,  acted  in  the  most  gallant  and  efficient  manner. 

I  refer  to  the  reports   of  Colonel  Taliaferro,  Colonel  Warren,- and 


119 

Major  William3,  for  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  of  the  re- 
spective regiments.  I  with  pride  bear  testimon}'  to  the  gallant  con- 
duct of  the  whole  brigade,  both  officers  and  men. 

I  am  indebted  to  Captain  Wm.  B.  Pendleton,  A.  A.  A.  G.,  for  hi?, 
gallant  conduct,  and  prompt  and  cheerful  manner  with  which  he  ex- 
ecuted my  orders. 

Captain  Wooding's  battery  was  not  placed  in  position  during  the 
day. 

Respectfully, 

SAMUEL  V.  FULKERSON, 
Colonel  commanding  Brigade, 


3.1 


REPORT  OF  COLON'EL  CRIITCHFIELD. 

IlFAnqUARTERS    Vallfy   Diptrict, 
Nenr  GordonsviUe,  July  25,    186 

Major  R    I;.  Dabnky, 

A.  A.   General;   Valley  District: 

SiH  :  I  have  to  submit  the  follo^ving  report  of  the  part  token  by 
the  dirfcrent  batteries  of  this,  army  in  the  actions  of  the  23rd  and 
25tii  at  Front  lioyal  and  Winchester, 

On  the  inorning  of  Friday.  May  23rd,  after  our  skirmishers  ad- 
vanced upon  Front  Royal  and  drove  the  enon:y"s  pickets,  the  main 
force  of  the  enemy  were  found  to  hare  retired  a  phort  distance  beyond 
:he  town  and  taken  position  on  a  ccmmanding  heigjit,  to  the  right  of 
the  turijpike.  Their  force  consisted  apparently  of  a  section  of  artil- 
lery, supported  by  a  regiment  or  more  of  infantry.  I  at  once  sent 
'mck  to  order  up  all  the  batteries  of  Major  General  EwelPs  division, 
Tyhich  was  in  front,  while  I  proceeded  in  person  to  reconnoitre  the 
groun(^to  the  left  of  the  enemy's  position,  with  a  view  to  planting 
:jur  own  guna.  The  division  of  Major  General  Ewell  had  only  joined 
U3  a  day  or  two  previous,  and  I  w;i8  therefore  unfamiliar  with  the 
ooraf.osition  of  his  batteries,  which  I  afterwards  found  to  contain  but 
three  rifled  guns  in  all.  Guns  of  this  kind  were  necessary  on  account 
if  the  nature  of  the  approach  to  the  enemy's  position,  and  also 
becauf^e'their  guns  were  found  to  be  rifled.  It  so  happened  that  the 
first  of  our  batteries  which  reported  to  me  consistetl  of  smooth-bored^ 
aix-poundor  guns  and  twelve-pounder  howitzers,  and  had  therefore  to 
be  ordered  aside.  The  next  battery  which  came  up,  that  of  Captain 
Courtney,  contained  but  one  rifle  gun,  which  was  put  in  position 
under  charge  if  liieuteuant  Latimer,  and  exchanged  shots  with  the 
enemy,  though  it  was,  of  course,  unequal  to  the  task  of  silencing 
their  guns.  After  a  short  time  Captain  Brockenbrough's  battery 
came  up,  and,  two  of  his  guns  having  been  planted,  opened  upon  the 
enemy.  A  brisk  cannonade  of  sonio  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  was  kept 
up,  with  no  damage  to  ourselves  and  no  apparent  damage  to  the 
enemy.  At  the  end  of  this  time  the  opposing  batteries  drew  off,  and 
the  enemy  began  his  retreat. 

Captain  Luck's  battery  having  by  this  time  come  up,  I  took  from 
it  two  rifle  guns  and  started  in  pursuit.  About  a  mile  or  more  from 
the  village,  the  enemy  had  planted  a  gun  and  left  a  few  skirmishers 
on  a  ridge  commanding  the  bridge  over  the  river,  which  they  had  set 
on  fire.  A  few  shell  dispersed  them,  ar.d,  the  fire  being  extinguished, 
the  bridge  was  crossed  and  the  pursuit  continued.  Owing  to  the 
jaded  condition  of  our  horses,  and  the  rapidity  of  the  enemy's  move- 
ments, our  artillery  did  not  overtake  them  again  during  the  chase, 
and  took  no  further  part  in  the  affair. 

Both  of  the  guns  of  the  enemy,  with  their  two  caissons, 
were   captured  by  our  cavalry,  together  with  seven  battery  hprses 


121 

and  three  sets  of  artillery  harness.  The  harness  was  turned 
over  to  Captain  Cutshaw's  battery  ;  mo  gun  nnd  caisson  were  given 
to  Captain  Poague,  in  lieu  of  a  four-pounder  rifle  gun  belonging  to 
his  battery,  and  the  remaining  gun  and  caisson  to  Captain  Brocken- 
brough,  to  replace  one  of  his  Blakoly  twelve-pounder  guns^  which 
Lad  an  assem^ding  bolt  in  the  cheek,  broken  by  the  strain  on  its  car- 
riage during  the  firing.  Both  the  captured  pieces  were  ten-pounder 
Barrett  rifle  guns.  In  this  affair  our  guns  were  badly  served  and  did 
no  execution. 

On  the  following  day,  Saturday,  May  24th,  two  rifled  guns  from 
Captain  Poague's  battery  were  detailed  to  accompany  Chow's  battery 
and  the  cavalry,  under  tlie  late  Colonel  Ashby,  from  Cedarville  to- 
wards Middletown.  The  remaining  bitteries  marched  with  their 
brigades.  Arrived  near  the  Valley  turnpike,  on  the  southern  edge 
of  ^liddlctov.n,  the  wagon  train  of  the  enemy  was  seen  moving  down 
the  Valley,  its  right  flank  covered  by  a  small  force,  which  was 
quickly  dispersed  by  a  few  shots,  and  retired  towards  Middletown. 
A  few  shell  quickly  fired  into  the  train  cut  off  a  large  portion  of  it 
in  the  rear.  I  was  preparing  to  move  our  guns  down  the  pike  after 
the  resst,  when  a  large  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  came  dashing 
down  the  turnpike  from  Middletown.  As  our  infantry  supports  were 
yet  Pome  distance  in  the  rear,  I  threw  the  guns  in  battery  some  eighty 
yards  fioin  the  pike,  and  as  the  cavalry  dashed  by  a  volley  of  c^inister 
ecottcred  them  completely.  Some  hundred  or  so  surrendered,  as 
many  more  kept  down  the  road,  and  the  remainder,  amounting,  per- 
haps, to  three  hundred,  turned  down  to  the  left  of  the  pike  and 
formed  in  line,  facing  the  battery,  some  four  hundred  yards  distant 
The  dut^t  and  smoke  hid  the  movement  from  my  view,  and,  when  I 
first  saw  them  so  formed,  I  took  thon  to  be  our  own  cavalry,  as  I 
observed  them  with  Confederate  colors  fljing.  Upon  enquiring  of 
Colonel  Ashby  if  they  belonged  to  his  commj-nd,  he  replied  they  did 
not.  I  then  opened  our  pieces  upon  them.  The  miserable  quality  of 
our  ammunition  (shells  of  two  seconds  fuse,  bursting  not  fifty  feet 
from  the  muzzles  of  the  guns)  prevented  any  harm  being  done  them, 
but  they  rapidly  moved  off  towards  the  back  road  and  were  seen  no 
more.  Our  j)iece3  were  then  limbered  up  and  moved  on  down  the 
turnpike  after  the  wagon  train,  shelling  it  and  its  escorting  cavalry 
force  as  occasion  offered.  The  train  was  repeatedly  broken,  and  parts 
cut  off,  and  no  material  resistance  met  with,  the  enemy  only  once  oppo- 
sing us  with  artillery  and  infantry,  both  of  which  were  dispersed  with- 
out difficulty  or  loss  to  ourselves.  Arrived  a",  the  edge  of  ISewtown,  we 
found  ourselve.?  entirely  without  an  infantry  support.  So  I  halted  the 
guns  and  rede  back  to  hurry  them  forward.  I  found  some  hundred  or 
so  of  the  seventh  Louisiana  regiment  coming  on  slowly,  much  broken 
down  by  fatigue  and  heat.  These  I  hurried  on,  but,  goitig  on  back, 
i  found  the  remainder  of  the  supporting  force  busily  engaged  in 
plundering  the  wagons  captured.  Unable  to  force  or  persuade  thetii 
to  abandon  this  disgraceful  employment  and  return  to  their  duty,  I 
returned  to  Newtown,  and,  after  .consulting  Colonel  Ashby,  we  con- 
cluded it  would  be  imprudent  to  push  the  pursuit  further  until  other 


I8« 

infantry  shouUl  come  op,  especially  as   there  were  but  fifty  cavalry, 
nnder  Mujor  Funstcn,  remaining  with  us,  the  residue  being  eagerly 
engaged   in    plundering  the  captured   train.     This  relaxation  in  the 
pursuit,  though  necessary,  was  unfortunate,  as  the   enemy   were  en- 
couraged by  its   being  given  up.     Two    hours    later,    four  pieces  of 
artillery,  being  planted  on   the  northern   edge  of  Newtown,  Opened 
their  fire  on  us,  which  was  returned  by   Captain    Poague's   two   rifled 
guns,  and  the  action  was  kept  up  till  dirk,  when  the  enemy  withdrew. 
Our  only  damage  was   three   men    wounded   and   two    horses    killed. 
Enemy's  not  known.     Captain  Poague's  guns   were   well   served  and 
their  fire  remarkably  accurate,  superior  to  that  of  the  enemy.     Con- 
siderable praise  is  due  to  this  section  of  his  battery,  and  to   Captain 
Chew's  battery,  for  the  skill  and  perseverance  manifested  bythem  in 
the  pursuit,  especially  when   contrasted  with  the  conduct  of  the  ma- 
jority of  the  accompanying  infantry  force.      None  of  our   guns   were 
engaged  during  the  ensuing  night,  when  the  enemy  pressed  on  towards 
Winchester.     About  one  and  a  half  hours  before  dawn  I  was  sent  by 
the  Major  General   commanding,  vin  Newtown   and  Nineveh,  a  dis- 
tance of  twenty. seven  miles,  with  an  order  for   Major  General  Ewell, 
and  so  had  no  share  in  planting  the  batteries  of  Captain  Poague,  (Jut- 
shaw  and   Carpenter,  which   were  all   engaged   early  next  morning, 
(Sunday,  May  25th,)  nor  any  opportunity  of  a  personal  observation 
of  their  conduct.     From   the  known  position   which   they   occupied, 
and  the  results  achieved  and  the  losses  they  suffered,  I  feel  warranted 
in  saying  that  their  pieces  were  well  served,  and  both  officers  and  men 
manifested  a  prai-eworthy  courage  and   steadiness  during  the  action. 
On  the    side    I    was,   when    General  Ewell's   division  was   acting,  I 
directed   the  fire  of  the  batteries  of   Captains  Brockenbrough    and 
Courtney.     The  latter,  under  charge  of  Lieutenant  Latimer,  by  an 
unfortunate  mistake,  fired  repeated  rounds  at   our  own    troops  at  the 
western  side  of  the  town,  but  without  any  damage,  so  far  as  I   could 
see.     That  of  Captain  Brockenbrough  engaged   and  finally  silenced 
an  opposing  battery  of  the  enemy,   and   then  turned  its  fire  on  the 
retreating    infantry    with    some   effect.     The   batteries   of    Captains 
Caskie  and  Raine  were  engaged  in  the  further  pursuit  of  the  enemy, 
and  were  handled  with  uncommon  tact  and  energy  and  eflect.     In  the 
Bubeequcnt  advance  of  our  forces  towards   Harper's  Ferry,  parts  of 
the  batteries  of  Captains   Caskie,   Wooding  and   Raine   were  lightly 
engaged      In  the  retreat  of  Colonel  Z.  F.  Connor  from  Front  Royal, 
the  Blakely  gun  belonging  to  Captain  Brockenbr^ugh's  battery  was 
by  some  means  lost.     On   the  same   occasion   a  section   of  Captain 
Rice's  battery,  the  only  artillery  present,  was  charged  by  the  Federal 
cavalry,  whom  they  repulsed  by  a  close  fire  at  eighty  yards  distance, 
unsupported  by  infantry.     Captain  Rice   had  to   destroy   one  of  the 
rear  chests  of  one  of  his  caissons  to  relieve   himself  of  its  weight  in 
the  retreat.     In  the  retreat  of  the  army  from  Winchester  to  Port  Re- 
public, details    were  daily  made    from  some  one  of  the  batteries  of 
Captains  Poague,  Raine,  Courtney,  Cutshaw  and   Caskie,  to  act  with 
the  rear  guard  of  cavalry,  under   Colonel   Ashby,  the  best  guns  of 
Captain  Chew  haying   been  disabled  during  the  journey  down  the 


123 

Valley ;  and  on  all  occasions  in  which  they  were  engaged  with  the 
enemy,  their  guns  were  well  and  efficientjy  served.  At  Strnsburg, 
the  battery  of  Captain  Luck  was  closely  engaged  with  the  enemy  for 
a  short  tin:  e,  but  suffered  no  loss,  save  from  an  untoward  accident 
with  one  of  bis  guns,  by  which  he  lost  two  men,  and  on  account  of 
which  the  gun  was  condemned  and  turned  over  to  the  ordnance  officer. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

S.  CRUTCHFIELD, 
Colonel  and  Chief  of  Artillery   V.  D. 


i^i 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  BAYLOR. 

IlKAryUARTERS  FiFTH   Rkk't  ViRGINIA   VOLUNTEERS,  ) 

June  let,  1863.  } 

Cai'Tiin  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  obedience  to  orders  of 
Brigadier  General  Winder,  I  raoveil  my  regiment  to  the  front  of  the 
entire  column  near  Bartonsville,  on  the  night  of  the  2  }th  ultimo.  I 
immediately  threw  forward  companies  A  and  K,  under  the  commands 
respectively  of  Captain  Fletcher  and  Lieutenant  Kuntz,  as  skirmish- 
ers, with  instructions  to  advance  cautiously,  and  to  scour  the  woods 
and  country  on  either  side  of  the  road,  superintending  the  movement 
in  person,  assisted  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Funk.  The  remaining  eight 
companies  followed  some  four  or  five  hundred  yards  in  the  rcur. 

Owing  to  the  frequent  ambuscades  of  the  enemy,  which  exposed 
them  to  a  dangerous  fire,  the  darkness  of  the  night,  the  roughness  of 
the  country,  and  the  exhausted  condition  of  the  men,  the  advance 
was  necessarily  slow,  but  was  kept  up  constantly.  The  enemy  was 
driven  back;  about  twenty  of  his  number  captured,  three  wounded, 
and  one  killed. 

Finding  my  men  almost  broken  down,  I  asked  for  assistance  to  re- 
lieve them,  and  one  company,  of  the  second  regiment,  (Captain  Bur- 
gess,) was  sent  forward  for  the  purpose,  but  as  only  three  of  that 
company  were  acquainted  with  the  neighborhood,  I  received  but  little 
help  from  it.  At  dawn,  my  skirmishers  had  advanced  as  far  as  Hol- 
lingsworth's  mill,  taking  possession  of  a  camp  of  the  enemy's  cavalry, 
(apparently  just  deserted,)  and  discovered  the  enemy  upon  the  hill  in 
the  suburbs  of  Winchester,  to  the  left  of  the  road.  I  ordered  com- 
pany E,  Capt.  Newton,  and  company  G,  Captain  Simms,  to  support  my 
skirmishers  and  moved  the  line  forward  rapidly.  The  enemy's  cav- 
alry made  its  appearance  in  the  main  road,  but  was  soon  driven  back. 
By  direction  of  Brigadier  General  Winder,  I  pushed  forward  com- 
pany C,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Litten,  (Captain  Trevey  being  sick) 
to  drive  the  enemy  from  the  brow  of  the  above  mentioned  hill,  and 
advance  it  in  company  with  the  second  and  twenty-seventh  regiments. 
The  remainder  of  the  regiment,  under  the  command  of  Major  Wil- 
liams, was  ordered  to  follow  and  support  the  movement.  The  enemy 
retired  rapidly,  and  I  placed  the  skirmishers  under  the  brow  of  the  hill 
and  behind  a  stone  fence,  which  was  to  protect -them  from  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters,  and  enable  them  to  drive  them  back  without  any  loss, 
which  they  succeeded  in  doing.  Perceiving  the  enemy  was  shifting 
his  forces  to  his  right,  (our  left,)  I  ordered  forward  company  D,  Cap- 
tain Randolph,  company  L,  Captain  Burke,  and  company  I,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  Arnold,  and  placed  them  on  the  left  of  com- 
pany C,  they  nearly  filling  up  the  space  between  the  right  of  second 
regiment  and  the  main  road.  All  the  companies  thus  thrown  forward 
were  placed  behind  the  hill  and  stone  fence,  and  being  armed  with 
long  range  guns,  did  good  service,  and  were  in  a  most  excellent  con- 
dition to  enfilade,  with  a  raking  fire,  any  force  which  might  attempt 
to  retake  the  hill,  which  I  thought  was   then  the  intention  of  the  en- 


125 

«my  to  undertake.  The  position  had  not  been  occupied  long,  when, 
perceiving  the  left  of  our  line  moving  forward,  I  ordered  ray  men  to 
charge,  which  was  done  with  a  cheer  and  in  gallant  style.  Warned 
by  a  lady  just  at  the  edge  of  the  town,  that  the  enemy  was  still  mak- 
ing a  stand,  I  rode  in  advance  and  found  that  he  had  formed  the  thrree 

sides  of  a  hollow  square  at  the  intersection   of  Loudoun  and 

streets,  so  as  to  rake  our  forces  as  they  advanced  in  three  directions. 
I  directed  two  companies  to  attack  the  enemy  on  the  one  side,  and  led 
two  others  around  the  square,  so  as  to  attack  them  on  that  side  aho. 
He  did  not  stand,  however,  but  a  short  time,  and  my  advance  compa- 
nies, in  conjunction  with  one  of  the  second  regiment,  pursued  thorn 
down  Braddock,  Loudoun  and  Market  streets,  capturing  many  pris- 
oners in  their  progress.  My  horse  being  mortally  wounded,  and  hav- 
ing received  a  slight  hurt  myself  in  the  town,  I  was  separated  from 
my  regiment  for  a  short  time,  and  it  became  considerably  scattered, 
but  continued  the  pursuit  until  several  of  the  companies  were  ordered 
back  to  guard  the  prisoners.  Captain  Sirams,  with  some  of  his  com- 
pany, pursued  a  regiment  of  the  enemy  so  closely  as  to  be  driven 
away  by  our  own  artillery,  which  was  firing  on  the  regiment. 

I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of  Captain  Fletcher  and  Lieutenant 
Kuntz  and  the  officers  and  men  of  their  companies,  for  the  fearless, 
untiring  and  skillful  manner  in  which  they  led  the  advance  for  six 
miles,  under  many  difficulties,  in  the  darkness  of  the  night,  and  the 
face  of  the  enemy. 

.  Captains  Randolph,  Burke,  Newton,  Simms,  and  second  Lieutenants 
Litten  and  Arnold,  and  the  men  and  officers  in  their  respective  co^i- 
panies,  behaved  with  coolness  and  gallantry,  and  were  in  the  thickest 
of  the  fight. 

Companies  F  and  II,  though  not  actively  engaged  in  the  battle, 
(being  hehl  in  reserve.)  kept  up  the  pursuit. 

I  was  much  indebted  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Funk  and  Major  Wil- 
liams, foi"  the  ready  a.ssistance  they  gave  me,  by  their  constant  activity 
and  fearless  conduct  during  the  night  preceding  and  the  day  of  the 
battle. 

Surgeon  Baldwin  and  assistant  surgeon  Brevard,  discharged  their 
duties  faithfully. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  mention  the  gallantry  of  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel Botts,  of  the  second  regiment, 

I  believe  that  the  advance  companies  of  my  regiment,  with  a  part 
the  second  regiment,  are  entitled  to  the  honor  of  having  first  entered 
the  town.  It  captured  and  turned  over  three  hundred  and  seventy- 
three  prisoners,  among  them  many  officers. 

The  list  of  casualties  Avas  providentially  small,  consisting  of  one 
killed  and  three  wounded  : 

Private  Samuel  Roberts,  company  D,  killed ;  corporal  0.  H.  Evans, 
company  H,  wounded;  private  L.  A.  Moran,  company  E,  wounded  ; 
private  Charles  Wood,  member  of  band,  wounded. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WILLIAM  L.  H.  BAYLOR, 
Colonel  Fiflh  regiment   Virginia  volunteers. 


.   REPORT  OF  COLONEL  FLOURNOY. 

Headquarters  Sjxth  Cavalry,  ) 
August  I,  1862.      5 
Major  General  T.  J.  Jackson, 

Commanding  army  of  the  Valley  : 

In  obedience  to  orders  from  headquarters,  to  report  the  engagement 
of  the  sixth  Virginia  cavalry  with  the  enemy,  from  Front  Royal  to 
Winchester,  I  make  the  following  report : 

On  the  23d  day  of  May,  the  sixth  and  second  regiments,  thon  under 
my  command,  were  ordered  to  proceed  at  once  to  the  Manassas  Gap 
railroad,  at  a  point  between  Front  Royal  and  Strasburg,  to  tear  up 
the  track  and  cut  the  telegraph  wire,  which  was  accomplished  by  two 
o'clock.  The  command  then  proceeded  to  the  neighborhool  of  Front 
Royal,  and  remained  on  the  hill  opposite  during  the  progress  of  the 
battle  of  Froit  Royal,  until  the  enemy  retreated  across  the  river  and 
up  the  turnpike  leading  to  Winchester.  The  cavalry  were  then  or- 
dered in  pursuit.  The  enemy  had  burnt  the  bridge  across  North 
river,  which  delayed  the  pursuit.  Four  companies  of  the  sixth  crossed 
the  river  in  time  to  overtake  the  enemy  at  Centreville,  about  three 
miles  up  the  pike  ;  there  they  had  formed  to  receive  the  charge. 
Company  E,  Captain  C.  E.  Flournoy,  was  ordered  in  front  on  the  left; 
company  K,  Captain  Baxter,  and  company  A,  Captain  Dulaney,  to 
the  right;  and  company  B,  Captain  Grimsby,  directly  up  the  turn- 
pike. Company  B  was  first  upon  the  enemy,  and  charged  most  gal- 
lantly right  through  their  lines,  breaking  them  and  throwing  them 
into  confusion.  This  company  was  supported  by  company  E  from 
the  left,  and  companies  K  and  A  on  the  right.  The  enemy  was  driven 
from  his  position,  but  soon  reformed  in  an  orchard  on  tho  right  of  the 
turnpike,  when  these  companies  again  charged  them,  and  put  them  to 
complete  route. 

The  force  of  the  enemy  consisted  of  two  companies  of  cavalry,  two 
pieces  of  artillery,  and  one  regiment  of  infantry,  the  first  Maryland, 
and  two  companies  of  Pennsylvania  infantry.  When  the  charge  was 
commenced  the  cavalry  took  to  flight,  the  two  pieces  ^f  artillery  were 
abandoned,  and  nearly  the  entire  infantry  were  taken  prisoners.  The 
enemy  lost  in  killed  fifteen,  and  twenty  wounded. 

Our  loss  was :  In  company  B,  nine  killed  and  fourteen  wounded  ; 
in  company  A,  one  killed  and  one  wounded  ;  in  company  K,  Captain 
Baxter  was  killed  while  most  gallantly  leading  his  company  to  the 
charge — making  our  loss  in  killed  and  wounded,  twenty-six. 

Company  D,  Captain  Richards,  and  company  I,  Captain  Kerr,  came 
up  in  time  to  engage  in  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  The  other  com- 
panies of  the  sixth  and  second  regiments  were  prevented  from  coming 
up  in  time  to  take  part  on  account  of  the  difficulty  in  crossing  the 
bridge,  which  alone  prevented  their  taking  the  most  active  part  in 
the  fight.* 


I 


127 

Thfe  officers  and  men  engaged  acted  with  the  greatest  intrepidity 
and  courage,  executing  my  orders  with  promptness,  and  gained  a 
complete  victory  over  the  enemy. 

Qn  the  morning  of  tiie  24th,  the  sixth  and  second  regiments,  under 
command  of  General  G.  II.  Stewart,  proceeded  to  JSewtown,  on  the 
turnpike  leading  from  Strasburg  to  Winchester,  to  harass  the  enemy, 
and  intercept  the  wagon  trains.  During  the  day  a  number  of  prison- 
ers, about  two  hundred  and  fifty,  were  taken,  and  several  wagons  and 
ambulances,  with  stores  and  medicines.  In  the  evening  the  command 
was  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  take  part  in  the  battle  of  Winches- 
ter, which  took  place  on  the  morning  of  the  25th  of  May.  At  eight 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  Banks'  army  was  in  full  retreat.  The  cavalry  were 
ordered  in  pursuit,  which  was  continued  to  Martinsburg,  and,  on  the 
morning  of  the  26th,  to  the  PotDmac  river.  In  this  pursuit  many 
stragglers  were  captured,  and  a  large  amount  of  stores  taken  at  Mar- 
tinsburg. 

Most  respectfully  submitted,  by 

Your  obedient  servant, 

THOS.  S.  FLOURNOY, 
Colonel  commanding  sixth  Virginia  cavalry. 


I 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  WARREN. 

Camp  near  Winchester,  May  27,  1862. 
Captain  Pknoikton,  A.  A.  General,,  Third  Brigade :  ^ 

In  obedience  to  orders  received,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  fol- 
lowirig  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  tenth  Virginia  regiment,  in 
the  action  of  the  2.5th  instant: 

On  arriving  at  the  scene  of  action,  I  was  ordered  b}'  Colonel  Fulk- 
erson  to  proceei  rapidly  to  our  left  and  occupy  a  wooded  hill,  towards 
which  the  oneray  were  advancing.  I  did  go,  securing  an  advantageous 
position  for  the  regiment,  and  deployed  skirmishers  in  front  under 
cover  of  rocks  and  trees;  these  were  under  command  of  Captain  Coflf- 
nian,  who  behaved  most  gallantly,  and  so  worried  the  enemy,  posted 
behind  a  stone  wall,  that  he  succeede  !  in  drawing  their  fire.  At  this 
moment  Colonel  Fulkerson  having  arrived  with  the  thirty-seventh 
Virginia  regiment,  and  Brigadier  General  Taylor,  with  a  portion  of 
his  command,  a  vigorous  charge  was  made,  ( the  tenth  forming  on 
General  Taylor's  left )  when  the  rout  of  the  enemy  commenced  and 
the  pursuit  begun,  v*hich  was  continued  by  this  regiment  four  miles 
beyond  Winchester. 

In  my  operations,  I  was  much  aided  by  my  field  officers,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  S.  T.  Walker  and  Major  J.  Stover,  and  First  Lieutenant 
Keiling,  who  was  acting  adjutant,  anfl  discharged  his  duty  with  great 
boldness.  Men  and  officers  all  behave  1  as  well  as  men  ever  did,  and 
proved,  as  they  have  ever  done,  that  they  can  be  relied  on  in  any 
emergency. 

The  less  sustained  was,  John   Holpenstein,  of  company    F,  killed  ; 
and  Captain  Munch,  privates  Kirkpatrick  and  Arnier  of  company  C, 
W.  C.  Orlofl,  ]j.  C.  Kneisby  and  Ilarvey  IIoQver   of  company  F,    P. 
M.  Prints,  Robert  M.  CuUen  of  company  K,  slightly  wounded. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

E.  T.  H."  WARREN. 
Colofiel  Tenth  Virginia  volunteers 


REPORTS  OF  COLONEL  SCOTT. 

Report  of  W.  C.  Scott,  Colonel  commanding  second  brigade,  A.  N. 
W.,  in  relation  to  the  operations  of  his  brigade,  in  regard  to  battle  cf 
Front  Royal : 

When  within  two  or  three  miles  of  Front  Royal  I  received  a  raes- 
eage  from  Major  General  T.  J.  Jackson  to  send  forward  as  rapidly  as 
possible,  all  the  rifled  pieces  of  artillery  in  my  brigade.     I  did  so  by 
sending  forward  Captain  Luck,  with  his  two  rifled  pieces,  which  I  ua'« 
derstood  did  excellent  execution. 

The  battle  was  over  before  my  brigade  reached  the  field  of  battle, 
and  of  course  none  of  our  men  were  killed  or  wounded. 

W.   C.  SCOTT, 
Colonel  commanding  Second  Brigade,  A.  N.  W. 


Report  of  Colonel  W.  C.  Scott,  commanding  second  brigade,  A.  N, 
W.,  in  relation  to  the  operations  of  his  command  at  the  battle  of 
Winchester: 

My  brigade  was  ordered  up  on  the  left  of  the  road,  to  support  the 
attack  made  on  the  enemy  by  General  Taylor,  Ultimsj^tely  I  was 
ordered  to  form  line  of  battle  facing  to  Winchester,  and  to  march  to 
the  front  I  did  so,  but  while  the  brigade  was  marching  in  beautiful 
order,  but  before  it  reached  the  crest  of  the  hill,  I  ascertained  that 
the  enemy  had  taken  to  flight  Here  I  lost  no  men  in  this  engage- 
ment. 

W.  C.  SCOTT, 
9  Colonel  commanding  Brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  NEFF. 

Headquarters  Thirtv-third  Reg't  Va.  Vol.,      > 
Bivouac  near  Winchester,  May  27,  1862.  ) 

To  Brigadier  General  Charles  S.  Wilder, 

First  Brigade,  Valley  District : 
General  :  In  obedience  to  an  order  from  headquarters  first  brigade, 
A.  v.,  requiring  reports  from  the  several  regiments  and  batteries  of 
tjiis  command,  of  the  part  taken  in  the  action  of  the  25th  instant,  I 
have  the  honor  to  make  the  follo^ving  report : 

About  four  o'clock,  A.  M.,  of  the  2jth,  the  command  was  aroused 
from  a  short  repose  at  Kernstown,  where  ray  men  had  thrown  them- 
selves upon  the  ground  for  an  hour  or  more  that  *the  brigade  was 
l.Uted,  my  regiment  being  in  rear  of  the  whole  except  the  artillery. 
Vi'e  marched  very  leisurely  for  a  mile  and  a  half  down  the  turnpike 
read  in  the  direction  of  Winchester,  until  arriving  at  Ilollingsworth's 
mills,  my  regiment  was  again  halted  in  rear  of  the  fifth  Virginia  in- 
fantry ;  while  regiments  in  front  filed  to  the  left  and  right  of  the 
A"" alley  turnpike  road.  Halting  for  perhaps  ten  minutes,  I  again  moved 
en,  following  the  regiment  in  front  of  me,  ( the  fifth  Virginia,)  still 
Tioving  down  the  road  for  near  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  when  the  fifth 
filing  to  the  left  by  a  large  stone  mill,  I  followed  with  my  command, 
h-ilting,  however,  before  the  regiment  had  all  turned  off  the  turnpike. 
As  I  found  the  fifth  was  again  halted,  and  having  received  no  orders 
from  brigade  commander,  i  conformed  with  the  movements  of  theregi- 
cient  immediately  in  my  front.  While  halting  here,  the  batteries  of 
Captains  Poague,  Carpenter  and  Cutshaw  passed  my  command,  going 
to  the  left,  also  the  second  brigade,  Colonel  Campbell's,  going  in  the . 
same  direction.  I  had  halted  for  nearly  an  hour  in  this  position,  when 
R  lieutenant;  whom  I  recognized  as  belonging  to  a  company  in  the 
fifth  regiment,  came  with  a  verbal  order  from  General  Winder,  to  fol- 
low on  immediately,  in  rear  of  the  infantry,  then  marching  to  the 
left,  (I  think  Colonel  Campbell's  command,)  and  to  support  Carpen- 
ter's battery.  I  immediately  advanced  in  the  direction  indicated,  and 
had  gone  about  two  hundred  paces,  when  seeing  General  Winder 
approaching,  I  advanced  to  meet  him.  I  was  directed  to  place  my 
command  in  a  gully  a  short  distance  behind  the  caissons  of  the  pieces 
I  was  to  support.  I  caused  my  men  to  lie  down,  that  they  might  be 
better  protected  from  the  shells  that  were  exploding  over  us. 

I  had  been  in  this  position  about  half  an  hour,  when  the  battery 
ceased  firing  ;  the  peices  being  either  disabled  or  out  off  ammunition, 
as  I  supposed,  I  was  ordered  still  to  keep  my  po&ition,  and  informed 
that  two  pieces  of  Cutshaws'  battery  would  take  the  position  then 
occupied  by  two  of  Carpenter's  battery.  While  I  occupied  the  posi- 
tion behind  the  batteries,!  was  partly  exposed  to  a  cross-fire  from  two 
batteries,  then  playing  on  two  of  our  own  nearly  at  right  angles  to 
each  other.  My  loss  here  was  one  killed  and  one  wounded  by  the  ex- 
plosion of  a  shell.     Before  the  pieces  of  Cutshaw's  battery  were  well 


131 

in  position,  General  Jackson  passed  near  my  command,  and  enquiring 
what  mj  orders  were,  I  replied  "  to  support  that  battery,"  pointing  to 
it.     The  position  of  the  piece.^  was  slightly  altered  from  what  it  was 
when  directed  where  to  go  by  General  Win(Jer,  and  General  Jackson 
directed  me  to  throw  my  left  forward  so  as  to  get  my  line  paralel  With 
the  battery,  and  then  move  the  whole  forward,  phco  a  few  men  im- 
mediately behind  the  crest   of  the   hill  as  skii:nisLers>    and   if  any 
battery  of  the  enemy  was  brought  on  the  neighboring  hill,  immedi- 
ately in  my  front,  to  charge  it  with  the   bayonet.      I   replieil,    *'  very 
well.  General,  but  my  regiment  is  rather  small."     His  answer  wa.8,. 
"  take  it."     Although  I  looked  for  my  orders   to  the  General  of  the 
brigade,  I  felt  convinced  that  I  was  carrying  out  his  orders,  of  sup- 
porting the  battery,  by  slightly  shifting  my  position,   as   the  battery, 
had  done  so,  and  I  accordingly  carried  out  a  portion  of  General  Jack- 
son's order.      It  never  became  nec:!ssary  to  charge  vrith  the  bayonet. 
Soon  after  changing  position,  General  Winder  approached,  the  batte- 
ry was  ordered  to  a  new  position,  and  I  was  ordered   (  until  further  ■ 
orders  )  to  conform  with  the  movements  of  the  battery.     Several  new 
positions  were  taken  by  the  battery   as  the  enemy   was  giving  way, . 
until  their  rout  commenced,  when  I    faced   the   regiment   by  the  left 
flank,  and  followed  the  battery   at  a   double-quick   most   of  the  way,, 
until  we  had  gotten  a  considerable  distance  north  of  Winchester.    In 
going  towards  town  my  command  picked  up  a  stand  of  United  States 
cavalry  colors,  which  were  turned  over  to  the  brigade  commander,  by 
Lieut.  Colonel  Lee,  of  the  thirty-third.     I  followed  with  my  command 
down  the  Martinsburg   road  for  about  four  miles  and  a  half,   where  I. 
was  ordered  to  halt  and  bivouac  with  the  rest  of  the  brigade. 

My  casualties  on  the  25th,  were  but  one  killed  and  one  wounded, 
(  members  of  company  F.)  I  forgot  to  mention  that  my  loss  in  the 
skirmish  on  the  night  of  the  24th,  was  four  severely  and  two  slightly 
wounded,  exclusive  of  two  lieutenants  and  four  privates  run  over  by 
our  cavalry  and  badly  bruised,  several  I  fear  seriously  injured. 

During  the  whole   of  the   engagement   of  the   25th,  both  officers, 
and  men     under  my  command  behaved   with  grjat  steadiness   and 
coolness  under  a  very  warm  fire  of  artillery,  and  in  a  great  measure, . 
regained  the  confidence  I  had  reposed  in  them,  by  having  witnessed 
their  gallant  bearing  on  many  trying  occasions  in  the  past  campaign, 
but  which  confidence  was  greatly  shaken  by   the  mortifying  circum- 
stance  on  the  night  of  the  24th.     It  must  not  be  forgotten,  however, 
that  company  A,  (  Captain  Grace,)  and  company  F,  (  Captain  Spon- 
gier,) deployed  as  skirmishers  on  that  night,  behaved  very  well,   and . 
that  the  cavalry  rushing  back  through  my  ranks,  alone  occasioned  the 
confusion  and  disorder  in  my  reserve. 

I  omitted  to  mention  that  Major  Holliday  was  detailed  to  act  as  ^ 
aid  to  Major  General  Jackson,  and  acted  upon  his  staff  during  the  r 
entire  day. 

Strength,  rank  and  file,  one  hundred  and  fifty. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

JOHN  F.  NEFF,. 
Colonel  commanding  SSrd  JlegH  Fa.  VU,. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  RONALD. 

Headquarters  Fourth  Virginia  Volunteers, 

June  4,  1862. 

Captain  O'Brien,  A.  A.  General,  First  Brigade  : 

In  the  engagement  ^Yith  the;  enemy  on  the  23J,  24th  and  25th  of 
May,  I  have  the  honor  to  subiiiit  the  folloiving  report,  so  far  t^a  tho 
fourth  regiment  was  concerned  : 

The  regiment  did  not  arrive  at  Front  Royal  in  time  to  take  part  in 
the  engagement  of  tlie  twenly-third.  On  the  morning  of  the  24th, 
the  regiment,  with  the  brigade,  took  up  the  line  of  march  at  an  early 
hour,  from  Front  Royal,  (the  fourth  regiment  in  fronts)  for  Middle- 
town.  Arriving  at  the  forks  of  the  road,  the  brigade  was  halted  for 
Beveral  hours.     The  march  was  then  resumed  ;   end  marching  in  quick 

time,  arrived  at  Middletown  about  o'clock,  P.  M.     The  march 

was  continued  a  short  distance  in  the  direction  of  Strasburg.  The 
enemy  being  in  full  retreat  down  the  Valley,  the  brigade  was  ordered 
to  about  face,  and  countermached  by  regiments,  which  threw  the 
fourtli  in  the  rear.  This  being  done,  the  regiment  marched  in  pur- 
BUTt  of  the  enemy.  When  about  one  mile  west  of  Newtown,  I  was 
directed  by  Lieutenant  Howard,  A.  D.  C,  to  file  to  the  left,  and  put 
the  regiment  under  cover  in  the  woods.  While  this  order  was  being 
executed,  Captain  O'Brien  directed  me  back  to  the  road,  as  the  posi- 
tion in  the  road  was  out  of  the  range  of  the  enemy's  guns.  About 
f unset,  the  regiment,  with  the  brigade,  pushed  forward  ;  the  thirty- 
third  being  in  front.  The  enemy  being  in  ambush,  and  the  posi- 
tion of  the  preceding  regiments  being  changed,  the  fourth  now 
became  the  second,  in  the  order  of  march ;  but  no  casualty  occurred 
during  the  night. 

On  the  morning  of  the  25th,  the  regimeijt  arrived  near  Winchester. 
About  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Lieutenant  Garnett  directed  me  to  take  up 
a  position  on  the  right  of  our  lines,  and  to  support  a  line  of  skirm- 
ishers that  had  been  thix)wn  out.  The  point  to  be  occupied  was  in  a 
wheat  field,  designated  by  Lieutenant  Garnett.  As  the  skirmishers 
advanced,  I  advanced  the  regiment  to  within  about  six  or  eight  hun- 
dred yards,  as  I  supposed,  of  the  enemy's  battery,  which  battery  was 
on  the  right  of  the  road.  I  expected  to  draw  the  fire  of  this  battery, 
but  it  did  not  open  upon  me,  although  in  full  view  of  it.  The  regi- 
ment did  not  become  engaged  during  the  fight.  When  the  retreat 
commenced,  I  double-quicked  the  regiment  for  the  turnpike,  taking 
the  nearest  route .;  but  before  reaching  the  road,  I  was  met  by  an 
order  to  change  the  direction,  further  to  the  right,  which  I  did  ;  and 
followed  the  enemy  to  five  miles  below  Winchester,  on  the  Martins- 
burg  road.  •   No  casualties. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

CHAS.  A.  RONALD, 
Colonel  Fourth  Virginia  Volunteers. 


!33 

P.  S. — It  is  proper  to  statQ  that  my  reason  for  reaching  road  by  the 
the  nearest  route  wa3  with  the  view  of  intercepting  the  enemy's  bat- 
tery, which  I  believed  could  be  done. 
Strength,  rank  and  file,  two  hundred. 

C    A.  R., 
Cohnel  Fourth  Virginia  Volunteers. 


TIEPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  CUNNINGHAM. 
Headquarters  Twentv-First 


TV-First  Virginia  Regiment,  ) 

]V(ii/ncshoro\  June  G,  1SG2.       ) 


Captain  R.  N.  Wilson, 

Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Seco7id  Brigade,  V.  D. : 

Captain:  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit,  for 
the  information  of  the  Colonel  commanding  the  second  brigade,  Val- 
ley district,  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of  the  twenty-first 
Virginia  regiment,  on  the  23d,  24th  and  25th  of  May,  during  the  en- 
gagements with  the  enemy  near  Front  Royal  and  Winchester  : 

The  regiment  moved  (Colonel  Patton  commanding)  in  the  position  as- 
signed it,  with  the  brigade,  from  camp  near  Luray,  early  on  the  morning 
of  the  23d  of  May,  along  the  road  to  Front  Royal,  keeping  well  closed 
wit"h  the  troops  in  front  of  it.  We  did  not  become  engaged  with  the 
enemy,  they  having  been  driven  from  and  beyond  Front  Royal  by  the 
troops  in  our  front.  We  camped  that  night,  the  23d,  about  one  mile 
■west  of  Front  Royal,  Left  on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  at  nine 
o'clock,  taking  the  Winchester  road  for  about  four  miles,  when  we 
were  ordered  to  take  the  Middletovvn  road.  Moved  on  this  last  road 
quite  rapidly,  with  skirmishing  going  on  to  our  front,  until  we  reached 
Middlctown,  when  we  were  filed  to  the  left,  in  the  direction  of  Stras- 
burg.  We  were  at  this  point,  for  a  short  time,  exposed  to  the  fire  of 
the  enemy's  guns,  some  few  shot  falling  near  uh,  but  doing  no  harm. 
We  had  marched  about  one-half  mile  towards  Strasburg,  when  we 
were  countermarched,  with  the  brigade,  in  the  direction  of  Winches- 
ter, on  the  Valley  road,  the  first  brigad'c,  Valley  district,  filing  im-  ' 
mediately  in  front  of  us.  Moved  on,  with  heavy  skirmishing  in  front 
of  us,  though  not  engaged  ourselves  during  the  night  of  the  24th  and 
morning  of  the  25th,  halting  about  an  hour,  just  before  daylight. 
We  approached  Winchester  soon  after  dawn,  on  the  25th,  when 
it  was  evident,  from  the  heavy  and  continued  discliarge  of  artil- 
lery, that  a  general  engagement  was  about  to  ensue,  or  had  com- 
menced. We  moved  on  the  road  to  a  point  opposite  a  large  stone 
•mill,  on  the  left,  where  w^e  were  filed  to  the  left,  and  marched,  under 
cover  of  the  hill,  to  near  the  top  of  the  first  hill  as  you  enter  the 
town,  immediately  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  ordered  to  support  the 
Rockbridge  artillery,  Captain  Poague.  We  remained  in  the  above 
position  for  about  an  hour,  the  men  lying  down,  to  protect  them  from 
a  very  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  from  the  fire  of  a 
party  of  skirmisiiers  posted  behind  a  stone-wall,  three  hundred  yards 
in  front,  and  to  our  left.  Whilst  the  regiment  was  in  this  position,  L 
took  command  of  it,  Colonel  Campbell  being  wounded,  and  Colonel 
Patton  taking  command  of  the  brigade.  The  enemy's  right  having 
been  turned  by  our  troops  on  the  left,  and  the  skirmishers  driven  from 
the  stone-wall  by  the  Rockbridge  artillery,  they  commenced  to  give 
■way;  and  our  troops  pursued  them,  apparently  along  the  whole  line. 


135 

In  obedience  to  orders,  I  maved  the  regiment  immediately  in  rear  ot 
the  Rockbridge  artillery,  until  we  got  on  the  main  road  leading  into 
the  town  from  the  south,  when  I  was  ordered  to  move  forward,  in  pur- 
suit, on  the  Martinsburg  road.  I  moved  the  regiment  rapidly  for 
about  five  miles,  immediately  in  rear  of  the  first  brigade.  Valley  dis- 
trict, without  overtaking  the  enemy,  when  we  were  ordered  to  go  into 
camp  with  other  troops. 

I  am  thankful  to  be  able  to  report  that  we  lost  no  men  ;  and  though 
we  bore  no  conspicuous  part  in  the  various  engagements,  I  have  the 
satisfaction  of  knowing  that  we  did  our  duty,  and  went  where  we  were 
ordered  to  go. 

I  wish  to  take  this  opportunity  to  thank  most  of  the  officers  and 
men  for  the  promptness  and  cheerfulness  with  which  they  obeyed 
orders.  It  is  my  painful  duty  to  report  that  som'e  were  not  at  their 
posts,  owing  to  the  fact  that  a  large  number  were  broken  down  by  tho 
hard  duty  we  had  performed.  It  is  impossible  to  separate  those  who 
wisrc  really  broken  down  from  those  who  were  so  lost  to  all  pride  and 
patriotism  as  to  desert  their  posts  in  the  hour  of  danger.  One  officer, 
however,  about  whose  case  I  was  satisfied,  I  have  placed  in  arrest,  and 
shall  bring  the  matter  before  the  proper  tribunal,  at  the  earliest  op- 
portunity. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

•      R.  H.  CaNNINGlIAM,  Jr  , 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commandUg  Twenty- Fir.4  Fa.  Regiment, 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  GRIGSBY. 

,  '  Camp  Nrar  Winchester,  ) 

May  27,  1862.       \ 

Captain  John  F.  O'Brien,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
t-.venty-seventh  regiment  Virginia  volunteers,  under  my  command,  in 
the  pkirmish  at  Bartonsvilic  on  the  night  of  the  24th,  and  also  in  the 
engagement  of  the  25th  at    Winchester : 

During  the  night  of  the  24th,  while  on  the  march  towards  Win- 
chester, the  command  came  in  contact  with  an  ambuscade  of  the  en- 
€:j2y,  at  Bartonsville,  some  five  miles  from  Winchester.  The  leading 
regiment  having  been  thrown  into  confusion  by  our  retiring  cavalry 
breaking  through  their  ranks,  my  (the  twenty-seventh)  regiment  was 
ordered  to  the  front  to  clear  a  passage.  This  they  did  in  a  gallant  man- 
ner, driving  the  enemy  from  their  position,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  an 
invisible  enemy,  without  the  loss  of  a  man,  tw^o  being  slightly 
wounded.  In  the  charge,  private  Charles  S.  Pemberton*  of  company 
G,  captured  a  stand  of  colors,  '.The  march  was  continued  until  about 
tnree  A.  M.,  at  which  time,  the  command  halted  for  repose.  Shortly 
p.fter  daylight,  the  command  was  again  put  in  motion,  and  had  marched 
\\xt  ashort  distance,  when  they  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy  on  the 
hills  to  the  left  of  the  Valley  turnpike.  My  command  was  ordered 
to  move  to  the  left  and  occupy  a  piece  of  woodland,  near  the  hill  upon 
vhich  the  enemy  had  already  shown  themfeclves.  A  short  time  after 
tp.king  the  positio/i  assigned  me,  I  was  ordered,  in  connection  with  the 
uocoiid  regiment  Virginia  volunteers,  under  Colonel  Allen,  to  drive 
the  eneny  from  their  position,  and  to  occupy  the  same.  This  we  did 
promptly.  For  a  space  of  over  two  hours  we  remained  under  a  most 
galling  fire  of  grape,  shell  and  long  range  guns.  The  enemy  com- 
menced a  flank  movement  to  our  left,  and  other  troops  were  brought 
lato  position,  when  a  general  charge  was  made,  and  the  enemy  driven 
tastily  from  the  field.  In  this  charge,  they  evinced  the  most  gal- 
lant conduct,  braving  every  danger  coolly  and  deliberately.  Whilst 
the  charge  was  not  made  with  as  much  regularity  as  I  desired,  it  was 
Owing  to  the  fact  that  a  majority  of  the  men  were  undrilled,  the  regi- 
ment having  been  on  the  march  from  the  day  they  were  attached  to 
the  command,  with  scarce  a  day  of  rest,  much  less  time  or  opportunity 
for  drill. 

I  cannot  speak  in  terms  of  too  high  praise  of  the  conduct  of  my 
officers  during  the  battle.  Each  of  them  evinced  perfect  coolness, 
Rind  gallantly  ledtheir  men  to  the  charge  as  soon  as  ordered  by  me  to 
do  BO.  The  order  I  gave  in  accordance  with  instructions  received 
from  Brigadier  General  Winder.  The  conduct  of  my  officers  was 
such,  that  to  make  mention  of  any  one  by  name  would  be   invidious. 

The  non-commissioned  officers  behaved  well  and  gallantly. 

I  must  make  honorable  mention  of  Sergeant  William  H.  II.  Powell, 
of  company  G,  for  the  gallant  manner  in  which   he  bore  himself  in 


137 

the  charge.     He   bore   the    colors    of  the   twenty-seventh   regiment 
through  the  town  of  Winchester  ahead  of  all  others 

The  privates  behaved  gallantly,  cheerfully  obeying  all  orders  given 
them.  %, 

The  regiment  suffered  but  little,  having  lost  in  killed  and  wounded 
only  four,  viz  : 

Killed — Private  Abraham  McFadden,  of  company  E.  Wounded — 
Lieutenant  Mordecai  Zarnall,  company  G  ;  private  James  Toomey, 
company  B;  private  John  Buckner,  company  D. 

Strength — rank  and  file,  one  hundred  and  thirty-six. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  J.  GRIGSBY, 
Lt.  Colonel  ccmmanding  twenty- seventh  Va.  volunteers. 


REPORT  OF    MAJOR  HAWKS. 

Supplies  captured  by  General  Jackson  at  Winchester  and  Martins- 
burg  in  Mav,  ISG2  :  • 

in3  head  of  cattle,  gross  weight  92,700  lbs.  at  7  cts.  $6,4S9  00 

14,637  lbs.  of  bacon,  at  35  cts.,             -             -             -  5,122  95 

6,000  lbs  hard  bread,  at  8  eta.,      -             -             -  480  00 

2,400  lbs.  sugar,  at  35  cts.,     -             -             -             -  840  00 

350  busheb  salt,  at  §5,                 -              -              -  1,750  00 

85  barrels  flour,  at  $8,         -             -             -             -  680  00 

A  large  amount  uf  supplies  were  taken  by  the  troops  of  General 
Eweirs  and  Colonel  Ashby's  command  at  Martinsburg,  hauled  to  their 
camps  and  issued,  without  being  receipted  for  or  reported  to  me.  Cap- 
tain Lock's  certificate  accompanies  this  report,  showing  probable 
amount  received.  The  contents  of  four  sutlers'  store,  filled  with  a 
variety  of  goods,  valued  at  $25,000,  for  want  of  transportation,  were 
abandoned  to  our  troops. 

W.  J.  HAWKS,  Major. 


Major  Snodgrass,  quartermaster  for  General  Ewell's  command,  in- 
forms me  that  they  retained  for  that  command  fully  twenty  thousand 
pounds  of  bacon,  forty  thousand  pounds  of  hard  bread,  also  salt,  su- 
gar, coffee  and  cheese. 

Captain  Richardson,  commissary  for  Colonel  Ashby,  retained  for 
the  cavalry  supplies  for  five  or  six  days,  about  seventy- two  thousand 
rations. 

J.  LOCK,   Captain  and  A.  C.  S. 


REPORT  OF  xMAJOR  HARMAN. 

Chief  Quartermaster's  Ofptce,  Second  Corps,  A.  N.  V.,  ) 

March  23,   1863.      I 

Colonel  C.  J.  Faulkner, 

Chief  of  Staff,  Second  Corps,  A.  N.   V.  : 

Colonel  :  In  response  to  your  enquiries  in  reganl  to  the  value  of 
quartermaster's  stores  that  came  into  my  hands  at  Winchester  on  the 
1st  of  June  last,  I  beg  leave  to  report  that,  upon  a  careful  estimate, 
they  amounted  to  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  one  hundred  and 
eighty-five  dollars.  It  is  proper  for  me  to  state  that  all  the  quarter- 
master's stores  captured  at  Winchester  did  not  come  into  my  hands. 
Horses  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  cavalry,  and  negroes  too,  that  were 
never  reported  to  me;  and  a  number  of  the  quarmasters  of  the  army 
got  stores  which  they  reported  directly  to  the  Quartermaster  General. 
There  was  an  order  issued  that  everything  belonging  to  the  quarter- 
master's department  should  be  handed  in  to  me,  but  it  was  not  carried 
out,  for  reasons  not  known  to  me. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  A.  HARMAN, 
Major,  Chief  Quartermaster  Second  Corps,  A.  N.    V. 


LIST  OF  ARTICLES  captured  and  turned  over  to  the  Chief  Quar- 
termaster,  Valley  Department,  during  the  second  and  third  quarters, 
1862— v/s  ; 

12  saddles,  19  wagons,  27  artillery  saddles,  6  artillery  valices,  21 
bridles,  2  leg  guards,  19  pairs  artillery  harness,  61  collars,  100  1-2 
pair  traces,  5  breast  straps,  5  breeching  straps,  16  feed  pockets,  2 
setts  wheel  harness,  9  setts  lead  harness,  233  horses,  31  mules,  3,425 
envelopes,  64  1-2  quires  cap  paper,  9-4  quires  letter  paper,  10  quires 
note  paper,  172  steel  pens,  9o  bottles  black  ink,  1  bottle  red  ink,  I 
bottle  mucilage,  12  packs  cards,  25  wagon  bolts,  350  wagon  ham- 
mers, 10  tar  buckets,  47  halter  chains,  60  pounds  nails,  5,300  pounds 
leather,  10  hammers,  14  anvils,  33  crowbars,  7  smith's  vices,  1  sett 
blacksmith's  tools,  3  setts  carpenter's  tools,  1  huger,  15  cross-cut 
saws,  13  axes,  31  hatchets,  127  helves,  272  picks,  212  shovels,  82 
spades,  71  camp  kettles,  29  bundles  telegraph  wire,  3  platform  scales, 
1  keg  white  lead,  13,0G1  pounds  horse  shoes,  3,816  pounds  horse 
shoes,  940  pounds  horse  shoe  nails,  275  pounds  iron,  20  pounds 
spikes,  303  1-2  pounds  rope,  1  barrel  tar,  1  can  of  oil,  2  kegs  artil- 
lery grease,  2  kegs  grease,  2i;'0  feet  picket  rope,  28  picket  pins,  5 
chests,  1  pulley  block,  8  wheelbarrows,  1  jack  screw,  I  iron  maul, 
575  rasps,  12  files,  3  hats,  14  blankets,  30  oil  cloth  blankets,  305 
pairs  shoes,  2  pairs  ladies'  shoes,  2  pairs  misses'  shoes,  3  pairs  chil- 
dren's shoes,  90  pair  socks,  545  1-4  yards  cotton  cloth,  1  peg  cutler, 


140 

Ml  buckles,  196  insulators,  134  tents,  65  camp  stools,  50  mess  pans, 
1  skillet  li>l,  2  cooking  stoves,  292  tin  plates,  52  spoons,  20  tin  cups, 
«S0  table  knives,  31  table  forks,  2  3-4  dozen  neck  ties,  7  boxes  paper 
collars,  7  pairs  su.penders,  6  handkerchiefs. 

The  above  are  articles  captured  in  the  quartermaster's   department 
and  turned  over  to  me.     Besides  these,  much  property  was  captured 
and  reported  direct  to  the  Quartermaster  General  by  various  quarter- 
masters of  the  command,  without  being  reported  to  me. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

JOHN  A.  HARMAN, 
Major  and  Chief  Quartermaster  -Second  Corps,  A.  N.   V, 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  WILLIAMS. 

Headquarters  Thirty-Seventh  Regiment, 
May  23,  18G2. 

Captain  Pendleton, 

Captain  :  In  making  my  official  report  of  the  part  acted  by  the 
thirty-seventh  Virginia  regiment,  commanded  by  myself,  during  the 
days  of  the  23d,  24th  and  25th,  (owing  to  my  position  in  the  column,) 
I  am  forced  to  say  that  I  had  no  opportunity  of  entering  into  the 
skirmishing  which  took  place  near  Front  Rojal,  on  the  23d;  also  the 
skirmish  near  Middletown  on  the  24th..  I  marched  on  the  ro  id  to  Mid- 
dletown,  and  my  men,  up  to  the  latter  place,  kept  up,  and  marched 
in  very  good  order,  and  seemed  to  endure  the  fatigue  with  surprising 
fortitude.  They  seemed  loth  to  vacate  their  position,  but  loss  of 
sleep,  and  fatirru3  from  the  long  and  continued  march,  forced  many 
of  those  who  would  have  been  proud  to  have  mingled  with  their  com- 
panions in  the  dangers  of  the  battle  of  the  25th,  to  leave  their  places, 
and,  in  consequence  of  this  fact,  daylight  next  morning  found  me 
with  three  hundred  men  ready  for  action.  At  this  time,  I  received 
orders  from  Colonel  J.  V.  Fulkerson,  commanding  brigade,  to  load 
and  prepare  to  march  immediately  after  Colonel  Taliaferro's  regiment. 
I  followed,  as  I  had  been  directed,  to  the  field,  where  Colonel  Fulker- 
son had  drawn  up  in  line.  Colonel  Taliaferro's  regiment  not  being 
where  I  could  receive  information  at  what  point  Colonel  Fulkerson 
wished  me  to  form,  I  came  to  the  conclusion  that  he  wished  me  to 
form  line  and  move  on  in  supporting  distance  of  the  regiment  which 
attracted  his  attention  at  that  time.  I  had  just  drawn  my  men  up  in 
line,  when  the  enemy's  battery  to  our  front  seemed  to  get  the  direc- 
tion of  right  flank  of  the  line  and  threw  shell  with  great  precision 
into  the  ranks  of  company  A,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Taylor  ; 
and  here  allow  me  to  add,  that  both  officers  and  men  remained  at 
their  post  and  gallantly  maintained  their  position,  though  each 
shell  told  with  terrible  effect  in  their  ranks.  So  soon  as  I  found  that 
the  enemy  had  my  direction,  I  ordered  Lieutenant  Taylor  to  take  hia 
company  to  the  rear  and  centre  ;  and  about,  the  time  this  was  com- 
pleted I  received  orders  from  Colonel  Fulkerson  to  take  the  regiment 
to  the  extreme  left  flank,  as  the  enemy  was  making  an  effort  to  flank 
our  line  in  that  direction.  In  marching  to  that  position,  the  regiment 
was  subjected  to  a  heavy  fire  both  from  cannon  and  rifles,  and  I  could 
not,  with  justice  to  officers  and  men,  discriminate  which  acted  the 
most  gallantly.  Suffice  to  say  that  each  one  performed  his  dut^  and 
acted  nobly.  After  arriving  at  my  position  and  having  formed  line  of 
battle,  I  threw  out  skirmishers  in  front,  and  remained  in  that  position 
until  Colonel  Fulkerson  ordered  me  to  advance. 

And  here  I  should  notice  the  gallantry  of  Captain  John  A.  Preston, 
who  being  so  eager  to  pursue,  I  was  forced  to  restrain  him  while  ad- 
vancing. 

We  continued  to  advance,  but  when  we  arrived  on  the  hill,  we 


142 

found  a  routed  and  rapid  retreat.  We  pursued  along  the  Martinsburg 
road,  four  miles  below  Winchester.  At  this  point,  completely  ex- 
hausted, we  gave  up  further  pursuit.  Before  closing,  I  take  great 
pleasure  in  noticing  the  prompt  and  cfTicient  attention  of  surgeon 
Casper  0.  Ilensal,  and  assistant  surgeon  M.  M.  Diitlcr.  I  am  also 
under  obligations  to  adjutant  Wood,  fur  prompt  attention- 
Appended  you  will  {in<l  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded: 
•Company  G — Wm.  Jackson,  killed.  Wounded — Company  A — Jas. 
L.  Conley,  slightly;  James  Smith,  slightly;  B.  Booker,  slightly. 
Company  C — John  Bussey,  severely;  company  D — Edward  Currey, 
slightly  ;  sergeant  James  llerren  ;  company  F — sergeant  William  G. 
G.  Lowry,  severely;  corporal  J.  B.  Allison,  slightly  ;  S.  R.  Rambo, 
severely;  company  G — sergeant  J.  Sullivan,  slightly;  J.  Ilonaster, 
slightly  ;  company  11 — Thomas  Debark,  slightly  ;  J  Rosenbaum,  se- 
verely ;  P.  S.  Rosenbaum,  severely;  G.  Rosenbaum,  severely;  com- 
pany I — J.  II  Sullivan,  severely  ;  company  K — W.  D.  Huyler, 
slightly  ;  J.  Dunn,  severely. 

Aggregate  killed,  one,  wounded  nineteen. 

T.  V.  \^[.ILLIAMS, 
Major  thirty -seventh  Virginia  regiment. 
Official : 

J.  W.  Wood,  Adjutar.t. 


Statement  of  major  pendletok 

On  Sunday,  May  35,  1862,  after  the  enemy  had  been  driven  out  of 
Winchester,  the  pursuit  had  been  carried  on  with  infantry  and  artil- 
lery for  some  three  miles  towards  Martinsburg,  when  I  was  directed 
by  General  Jackson  to  find  the  cavalry  under  Brigadier  General  G. 
H.  Stewart,  and  send  them  on  at  once,  rapidly,  in  order  that  the 
enemy  might  be  pressed  with  vigor.  This  was  about  ten  o'clock  in 
the  morning.  I  rode  rapidly  to  Winchester,  and  failing  to  ascertain 
the  whereabouts  of  the  cavalry  by  enquiry,  I  determined  to  go  to 
Major  General  Ewell,  on  the  east  of  Winchester,  under  whose  com- 
mand General  Stewart  was  acting.  I  found  the  cavalry  some  two 
and  a  half  miles  from  AVinchester,  on  the  Berryville  road,  the  men 
dismounted,  and  the  horses  grazing  quietly  in  a  clover-field.  Not 
seeing  General  Stewart,  I  gave  the  order  direct  to  the  colonels  of 
the  regiments,  to  mount  and  go  rapidly  forward  to  join  General  Jack- 
son on  the  Martinsburg  turnpike.  Colonel  Flournoy,  sixth  Virginia 
cavalry,  the  senior  colonel,  requested  me  to  ride  on  and  overtake 
General  Stewart,  and  communicate  the  order  to  him,  as  he  had  di- 
rected them  to  await  him  there.  Going  some  half  a  mile  further,  I 
overtook  General  Stewart,  and  directed  him,  by  General  Jackson's 
order,  to  move  as  rapidly  as  possibly  to  join  him  on  the  Martinsburg 
turnpike,  and  carry  on  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy  with  vigor.  He 
replied  that  he  was  under  the  command  of  General  Ewell,  and  the 
order  must  come  through  him.  I  answered,  that  the  order  from  Gen- 
eral Jackson  for  him  to  go  and  join  him  (General  J.)  was  peremptory 
and  immediate,  and  that  I  would  go  forward  and  inform  General  Ewell 
that  the  cavalry  was  sent  off.  I  left  him,  and  went  on  some  two  miles 
and  communicated  with  General  Ewell,  who  seemed  surprised  that 
General  Stewart  had  not  gone  immediately  upon  receipt  of  the  order. 
Returning  about  a  mile,  I  found  that  instead  of  taking  the  cavalry, 
General  Stewart  had  ridden  slowly  after  me  towards  General  Ewell, 
I  told  him  I  had  seen  General  Ewell,  and  brought  the  order  for  the 
cavalry  to  go  to  General  Jackson.  This  satisfied  him  ;  he  rode  back 
to  his  command,  and  had  them  mounted  and  moved  off  towards  Ste- 
phenson's depot. 

Respectfully, 

A.  S.  PENDLETON, 
Major  and  A.  A.  O. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  MOSELEY. 

Camp  near  Winchester,  May  28,  1863. 

Colonel  John  M.  Patton, 

Commanding  Second  Brigade : 

Colonkl:  In  obedience  to  orders  No.  — ,  I  beg  leave  to  sabmit  my 
report  of  the  operations  of  the  forty-eighth  regiment  Virginia  volun- 
teers, at  the  battle  of  Winchester,  on  the  25th  instant: 

On  re;iching  the  field  of  battle,  I  was  in  my  place  as  Major  of  the 
twenty-first  Virginia  regiment,  which  had  been  ordered  to  support 
Poagiie's  battery.  While  with  the  regiment  in  the  position  assigned 
it,  1  was  ordered  by  Colonel  Patton,  who  assumed  command  of  the 
brigade  in  consequence  of  the  wounding  of  Colonel  Campbell,  to  take 
command  of  the  forty-eighth  regiment,  its  commander  having  like- 
wise been  wounded.  I  found  the  forty-eighth  in  its  position  in  a  trench 
in  advance  of  the  twenty-first  regiment.  There  the  regiment  remain- 
ed till  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy  was  turned  by  General  Taylor's 
brigade  and  other  troops,  and  the  enemy  commenced  their  retreat. 
We  were  then  ordered  to  join  in  the  pursuit,  which  was  continued  till 
■we  were  called  off,  and  ordered  into  camp  at  our  present  position. 
While  hi  the  trenches,  the  regiment  was  somewhat  exposed  to  the  fire 
of  the  enemy  ;   and  afterwards,  while  engaged  in  the  pursuit. 

The  casualties  of  the  regiment  are  stated  in  the  annexed  list.     The 
men  and  officers  of  the  regiment  behaved  very  well. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  B.  MOSELEY, 
Major  of  Twenty-first  regiment, 
Commanding,  pro  tem.,  the  Forty-eighth  regiment. 


List  of  casualties  referred  to  above. 

Company  A — Captain  Vermillion,  wounded  in  the  thigh. 

Company  B — Private  A.  J.  Earles,  wounded  in  side  by  a  ehell. 

Company  C — No  casualties. 

Company  1) — Joseph  Hawthorne,  wounded  in  left  shoulder  by  ball. 

Company  E — Private  D.  J,  Peters,  wounded  in  leg  by  minnie  ball. 

Company  F — Private  Charles  Boardurine,  severely  wounded  in  the 
breast. 

Company  G — Corporal  Thos.  S,  Stapleton,  killed. 

Company  II — No  casualties. 

Company  I — Thos.  C.  Fleenor,  killed ;  D.  C.  Roberts,  woanded  in 
the  neck ;  Oliver  Hughes,  wounded  in  the  shoulder. 

Company  K — No  casualties. 

Captain  Hale  was  wounded  early  in  the  engagement.  Total,  jseven 
wounded  and  two  killed. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  WOODING. 

Camp  of  Danville  Artillery,       ) 
Near  Winc/testcr,  Fa.,  May  27,  1802.  j     ' 

Colonel  S.  V.  Fulkerson, 

Commanding  Third  Brigade : 

Colonel  :  In  compliance  v,ith  instructions,  as  received  from  your- 
self, I  hereby  transmit  you  a  brief  report  of  the  opercations  of  my 
command  (the  Danville  artillery)  during  the  engagements  of  the  23d 
and  24th  of  May,  1863: 

On  the  evening  of  the  23d  I  received  an  order  from  Colonel  Ful- 
kerson to  take  my  rifle  pieces  to  the  front.  I  accordingly  left  the  rear 
of  the  brigade  with  my  riile  pieces,  and  moved  rapidly  on  towards 
Front  Royal.  On  reaching  the  place  about  nightfall,  I  learned  the 
enemy  had  been  routed,  and  many  of  them  captured,  by  the  advance 
of  our  army.  Seeing  no  officer  at  Front  Royal  to  \Thom  I  coul  1  re- 
port, I  moved  oh  some  throe  miles  beyond  the  town,  when,  seein<y 
some  pieces  of  artillery  which  were  in  advance  of  mine  returning  to- 
wards Front  Royal,  I  halted  my  men  upon  the  road  side,  and  ordered 
them  there  to  encanp  during  the  njght,  whilst  I  returned  to  the  rest 
of  my  command,  which  I  found  encamped  with  your  brigade,  near 
where  I  left  you  in  the  evening. 

In  the  morning  of  the  24th  I  received  an  order  from  Colonel  Crutch- 
field,  chief  of  artillery,  to  join  my  rifle  pieces  with  the  rest  of  my 
battery.  I  accordingly  sent  forward  to  have  it  halted  until  we  came 
up  to  it ;  and  during  the  whole  of  this  day  my  wearied  men  and  jaded 
horses  marched  immediately  in  rear  of  your  brigade,  until  some  two 
or  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  25th,  when  we  halted  until 
dawn  in  the  road,  our  horses  standing  hitched  to  the  pieces,  and  the 
men  lying  down  upon  the  roadside  until  dawn.  In  the  same  order  of 
march  as  on  the  previous  day,  we  marched  towards  Winchester,  When 
within  a  short  distance  from  that  place,  and  in  the  distinct  hearing  of 
the  enemy's  artillery  and  musketry,  which  had  opened  upon  our  ad- 
vancing column,  I  received  orders  to  remain  in  the  road  until  ordered 
forward,  *!  had  been  there  but  a  few  minutes  when  an  aid  to  General 
Jackson  ordered  me  to  move  forward.  He  carried  my  battery  to 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  enemy,  who  kept  up  an  incessant  fire 
from  our  right  towards  our  forces  posted  on  our  left,  some  of  their 
fihell  passing  over  us,  and  others  bursting  very  near  us.  '  The  aid  to 
General  Jackson  informed  me  that  an  officer  had  been  sent  to  choose 
a  position  for  my  battery  to  the  right  of  the  road. 

I  remained  there  some  thirty  minutes,  when  I  saw  the  enemy  com- 
mence a  swift  retreat  towards  Winchester  ;  and  believing  it  useless  to 
remain  in  that  position  any  longer,  I  with  my  battery  joined  in  the 
pursuit,  which  was  followed  up  to  this 'encampment,  when  we  i^re 
ordered  to  halt. 

None  of  my  men  or  horses  were  injured  by  the  enemy's  fire,  and 
10 


146 

the  only  injury  sustained  by  my  command  was  the  natural  conse- 
quence of  weariness  and  fatigue,  resulting  from  long  and  incessant 
laarching. 

Very  respectfully,  &c., 

GEO.  W.  WOODING, 
Captain  commanding  Danville  Artillery . 


REPORT  OF  CAriAIN  CASKIE. 

Hampden  AuTiLLERy  Camp,  June  3,  1862. 

Captain  R.  N.  Wilson, 

A.  A.  G.  Second  Brigade : 

In  obedience  to  orders  I  have  respectfully  to  report,  that  early  in 
the  morning  of  the  25th  of  May,  (Sunday,)  my  battery  was  halted 
by  General  Jackson  in  front  of  the  Stone  mill,  about  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  from  Winchester,  as  there  was  no  desirable  position  unoc- 
cupied by  our  batteries.  Here  we  remained  until  the  gallant  charge 
of  our  Louisiana  brigade,  which  caused  the  enemy  to  break  and  fall 
back,  when  I  immediately  hurried  my  battery  to  the  front,  at  a  rapid 
gallop,  and  opened   fire  first  a  short  distance  outside  of  Winchester. 

I  kept  the  advance  on  the  Martinsburg  turnpike,  availing  myself  of 
every  position  to  fire  upon  the  retreating  column  and  train  of  the 
enemy.  Just  before  reaching  Stephenson's  depot,  my  first  Lieuten- 
ant, James  A.  Caskie,  was  wounded  in  the*leg,  and  was  taken  to  the 
rear.  Having  no  support,  General  Jackson  ordered  me  to  give  up 
the  pursuit  at  Stephenson's  depot.  It  was  my  privilege  to  receive  my 
orders  directly  from  General  Jackson,  who  superintended  my  opera- 
tions. During  the  chase,  Sergeant  Etting,  of  my  company,  captured 
BIX  of  the  enemy,  and  duly  delivered  them  to  the  proper  authorities 
As  our  cavalry  was  not  on  the  ground,  by  General  Jackson's  orders 
the  lead-horses  of  my  caissons  were  unhitched,  and  some  of  my  can- 
noniers  mounted  for  a  charge  ;  but,  CAving  to  orders  to  halt  soon  there- 
after,  did  not  undertake  the  hazardous  duty,  for  which  they  bravely 
volunteered. 

Very  respectfully, 

WM.  H.  CASKIE, 
Captain  commanding  Hampde/i's  Artillery 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  POAGUE. 

Camp  near  Winchester,  May  27,  1862. 

Captain  J.  F.  O'Brien, 

A.  A.  G.  First  Brigade,  Valley  District: 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  that  on  the  23d  instant,  at 
about  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  distant  iive  and  a  halt'  miles  from 
Front  Royal,  I  was  ordered  to  report,  with  my  two  Parrott  pieces,  to 
Major  General  Jackson,  near  Front  Royal.  I  proceeded  as  rapidly 
as  the  jaded  condition  of  my  horses  would  permit,  but  was  unable  to 
get  to  the  scene  of  action  before  the  retreat  of  the  enemy.  I  reached 
the  Shenandoah  river  at  dark,  and  finding  the  road  blocked  by  artillery 
and  infantry,  and  not  being  able  to  find  General  Jackson,  I  went  into 
camp,  and  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  brigade. 

Following  with  the  brigade  next  day,  I  received  orders  to  report 
with  my  Parrott  guns  to  Major  General  Jackson,  who  directed  me  to 
report  to  Colonel  Ashby,  on  the  road  leading  to  Middletown.  I  found 
the  Colonel  about  four  miles  from  Middletown,  driving  the  enemy's 
pickets  before  him.  Following  along  with  Captain  Chew's  battery, 
supported  by  a  few  companies  of  infantry,  we  came  up  with  a  train  of 
the  enemy's  wagons,  escorted  by  a  considerable  body  of  cavalry,  mak- 
ing their  way  towards  Winchester.  A  few  rounds  drove  the  cavalry 
in  great  confusion  dowil  the  road.  Following  on  in  pursuit,  and 
firing  as  often  as  I  could  get  within  range,  I  finally  came  up  with  a 
regiment  of  infantry,  about  a  mile  from  Newtown,  which  seemed  dis- 
posed to  make  a  stand,  but  were  soon  dispersed  by  a  few  well-directed 
ehell.  Here  I  was  ordered  to  halt  until  an  infantry  support  should 
arrive.  Proceeding  with  these,  and  when  less  than  one  mile  from 
» Newtown,  three  guns  of  the  enemy  opened  fire  upon  our  infantry  and 
cavalry.  This  was  about  five  a'clock,  P.  M.  I  at  once  took  a  position 
'upon  the  left  of  the  road,  and  opened  fire  upon  their  battery.  The 
firing  was  kept  up  on  both  sides  until  dusk,  when  the  enemy's  guns 
withdrew. 

In  this  combat  three  of  my  men  were  wounded,  to  wit :  George  A. 
Ginger,  severely  stunned  by  wind  contusion  from  a  shell ;  Calvin  M. 
Dold,  struck  on  right  leg  by  fragment  of  a  shell ;  John  L.  Moore, 
slightly  wounded  on  right  shoulder  by  a  piece  of  shell.  Two  of  my 
horses  were  killed  by  a  shell. 

I  was  then  ordered  by  Major  General  Jackson  to  proceed  in  ad- 
vance. Afterwards  a  company  of  infantry  was  placed  on  each  side  of 
the  road,  a  little  in  advance  of  my  pieces,  and  a  company  of  cavalry 
in  front.  On  arriving  at  Barton's  mills,  the  enemy  fired  a  volley  into 
the  cavalry,  which  immediately  wheeled  and  retreated  in  great  confu- 
sion, running  over  and  disabling  two  of  my  cannon  drivers. 

After  this,  my  two  pieces  marched  in  rear  of  the  brigade  unil 
dawn,  when  they  were  again  ordered  to  the  front. 


149 

At  this  point  commences  my  report  of  the  operations  of  the  battery 
on  the  25th,  which  has  been  sent  in. 

Verv  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

^       ^  WM.  T.  POAGUE, 

Captain  of  Battery. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  POAGUE. 

Camp  near  Winchester,  May  27,   1862. 

Captain  John  F.  O'Brien, 

A.  A.  G.  First  Brigade^   Valley  District  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  Bonor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  battery  under  my  eommand  in  the  engagement  of 
the  25th,  near  Winchester  In  pursuance  of  directions  from  Briga- 
dier General  Winder,  the  two  Parrolt  guns,  under  charge  of 
Lieutenant  Grahame,  were  posted  on  the  top  of  the  ridge,  about  one 
mile  south  of  Winchester.  My  orders  were  to  fire  upon  the  enemy's 
artillery,  known  to  be  in  position  across  the  pike.  While  uulimber- 
ing  a  regiment  of  the  enemy's  infantry  were  discovered  crossing  the 
ridge  on  my  left,  about  five  or  six  hundred  yards  distant,  and  at  the 
same  time  a  battery,  wheeling  into  position  about  two  hundred  yards 
beyond  the  infantry,  thus  completely  enfilading  the  position  first 
taken.  My  pieces  were  instantly  turned  to  the  left,  and  several 
rounds  fired  at  the  infantry,  compelling  them  to  seek  shelter  behind 
a  stone  fence,  from  which  they  commenced  firing  upon  us,  wounding 
several  cannoniers  and  horses.  In  the  meantime  their  battery  opened 
a  brisk  fire,  and,  not  wishing  to  continue  so  unequal  a  contest,  I  or- 
dered the  caissons  to  a  place  of  security,  following  soon  after  with 
the  limbers  and  the  pieces.  During  this  time  Lieutenant  Brown, 
with  the  remainder  of  the  battery,  four  guns,  hnd  come  up,  with 
orders  to  take  a  position  on  the  extreme  left.  Seeing  that  it  would 
be  impracticable  to  place  them  in  position  in  that  vicinity,  I  had  them 
brought  and  posted  to  the  left  and  in  rear  of  my  first  position,  where 
the  caissons  and  limbers  were  well  protected  and  the  cannoniers  shel- 
tered by  the  crest  of  the  ridge.  From  this  position  fire  was  opened 
on  the  enemy's' battery.  Shortly  afterwards,  I  was  ordered  by  the 
Brigadier  General  to  fire  solid  shot  into  the  wall  from  behind  which 
the  enemy's  infantry  were  greatly  annoying  our  troops.  They  were 
soon  driven  from  their  shelter,  and  but  few  returned  afterwards. 

By  this  time  my  company  had  suffered  considerably,  and  on  report- 
ing Its  condition  to  General  Winder,  was  ordered  to  cease  firing  and 
draw  the  pieces  under  cover.  In  a  short  time  the  enemy  commenced 
retreating,  pursued  by  our  troops.  I  followed  as  rapidly  as  possible, 
but,  owing  to  the  exhausted  condition  of  my  horses,  was  unable  to 
get  to  the  front. 

The  following  list  exhibits  the  casualties  sustained  by  the  battery 
during  this  engagement :  •         > 

Killed — Jonathan  T-  Agner,  of  Rockbridge  county,  Virginia,  and 
Robert  McKim,  of  Baltimore. 

Wmnded — Lieut.  Preston,  of  Rockbridge  county,  Va.,  severely  in 
Jeft  arm  ;  Mark  Davis,  ditto,  flesh  wound  in  leg  ;  George  W.  Smith, 
ditto,  severely  in  right  arm  ;  George  W^  Smisher,  ditto,  severely  in 
right  arm;  Adam  Smith,  ditto,  near  the  ankle  ;  Alexander  Conner, 
ditto,  flesh   wound   in    right   arm ;    Samuel   A.   Wilson,  ditto,  shot. 


J 


151 

through  right  hand;  John  H.  Moore,  ditto,  Blightly  in  hand;  David 
E.  Moore,  ditto,  slightly  in  the  side  ;  Joseph  McCalpin,  ditto,  slightly 
in  forehead ;  Wm.  Williamson,  ditto,  slightly  in  the  right  arm  ■ 
Robert  K.  Compton,  do.,  slightly  in  the  side  ;  Corporal  John  M. 
Gregory,  of  Richmond,  severely  in  the  breast ;  A.  R.  Boteler,  of  Jef- 
ferson county,  Virginia,  twice  through  fleshy  part  of  leg;  G.  W. 
Stuart,  of  Texas,  severely  in  the  face  ;  C.  N.  B.  Minor,  of  Hanover, 
slight  contusion  on  shoulder. 

One  horse  vras  killed  and  four  wounded.  One  wheel  of  caisson 
injured  by  a  shell. 

Strength,  rank  and  file,  eighty-nine. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  to  be  able  to  testify  to  the  good  conduct  of 
the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  the  privates,  with  a  few. 
exceptions  among  the  latter. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  T.  rOAGUE, 
Captain  Bockbridge  Artillery. 


'  REPOKT  OF  CAriALV  CARrENTER. 

Headquarters  Cari'knikii's  Battehy,  ) 
Winchesttr,  May  26,    1862.      \ 

General  C.  S.  Winder, 

Commanding  First  Brigade  . 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  your  orders  of  this  date,  I  make  the  following 
report  of  the  operations  c  f  mj  battery  in  the  battle  of  Winchester 
on  the  l3.")th  instant: 

After  marching  the  day  previous  and  nearly  all  night,  without 
sleep,  I  received  orders  early  on  the  morning  of  the  25th  to  move 
my  battery  forward  and  place  it  in  position  to  the  left  and  south  of 
Winchester,  on  a  height  that  was  pointed  out  to  mo  by  the  Major 
General.  I  executed  tliis  order  as  speedily  as  possible.  After 
placing  my  pieces  in  p  .sition  and  opening  fire  upon  the«enemy,.I 
found  that  1  was  exposed  to  an  enfilading  fire  from  a  battery  of  five 
pieces  on  my  left,  and  a  direct  fire  from  a  battery  of  six  pieces  in  my 
i'jont.  However,  after  firing  some  thirty  or  furty  rounds  on  the 
battery  in  front,  1  was  very  much  rejoiced  to  see  it  *'  limber  to  the 
rear  "  and  move  off,  as  it  left  me  only  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  bat- 
tery to  my  left  and  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  in  my  rear. 

Afthis  time  my  first  lieutenant,  John  C.  Carpenter,  was  placed  in 
command  of  Captain  Cuts^haw's  battery,  which  had  lost  all  the  com- 
mist^ioned  oOicers  with  it,  and  I  was  ordered  to  change  my  position  to 
an  elevated  position  on  the  left  of  the  line  of  battle.  I  moved  as 
speedily  as  possible  to  the  left  of  General  Taylor's  brigade,  but  before 
getting  into  position  1  was  told  by  the  General  that  ho  intended 
charging  the  enemy's  left  flank  and  not  to  fire.  His  charge  com- 
pletely routed  the  left  fiank  of  the  enemy,  and  I  received  orders  to 
pursue  the  enemy  as  speedily  as  possible.  But,  in  consequence  of 
the  worn  out  condition  of  ray  horses,  I  was  unable  to  get  to  the 
front.  The  artillery  duel  was  a  hot  one,  as  the  following  list  will 
show  : 

Killed — John  McCullough,  by  piece  of  shell. 

Mortally  v)oundcd — James  A.  Jordan,  by  the  explosion  of  a  shell, 
arm  and  side  torn  off;  since  died. 

Stvcrdy  Wounded — John  W,    Matthews,   arm   brokeil    by    piece  of 

shell,  amputated;  James  A.  Rose,  in  the  side;  Watkins,  in  the 

heel  and  ankle. 

Slightlt/  Wcnijidcd — John  Smith,  in  breast ;  Robert  Craig,  in  breast. 
Strength,  rank  and  file,  fifty-two. 
During  the  engagement  I  lost  two  horses. 

As  to  the  manner  in  which  the  company  performed  its  duty,  suffice 
it  to  say  that  the  Brigadier  General  must  be  cognizant,  as  he  was 
present  several  times  during  the  engagement. 

Very  respectfully  submitted,   • 

JOS.  CARPENTER,  Commanding  Battery. 


REPORT  OF  CArTAIN  LEIGH. 

Headquarters  First  Virginia  Battalion,  P.  A.  C.  S.  A  ,  ^ 
Camp  near  Mourd  j-jckson,  Shenandoah  county,  Va. ,       > 

June  3,  1862.  S 

Captain  R.  N.  Wilson,  Adjutant  General,  Sfc,  ^c,  ^c: 

Captain:  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  to  you,  for  the  information 
of  Colonel  Patton,  commanding  the  second  brigade,  a  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  first  Virginia  battalion,  P.  A.  0.  S.  A.,  during  the 
recent  engagement  near  Winchester. 

At  about  SIX  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  25th  of  May,  the 
battalion,  along  with  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  left  the  Valley  turnpike 
at  the  Milltown  mills,  and  proceeded  a  short  distance  to  a  point  to  the 
left  and  rear  of  some  fortification  on  the  top  of  the  hill.  Here  we 
were  ordered  to  support,  in  conjunction  with  the  twenty-first  regiment 
of  Virginia  volunteers,  the  Rockbridge  battery  of  artillery.  The 
battery  took  a  position  on  the  crest  of  a  ridge,  behind  which  the 
twenty-first  regiment  and  we  were  lying,  and  opened  fire  upon  the 
enemy's  battery  and  some  infantry,  who  occupied  the  crest  of  a  ridge 
nearly  parallel  with  that  which  we  occupied.  The  fire  was  main- 
tained on  both  sides  for  about  an  hour  and  a  half.  Four  men  of  the 
battalion,  all  in  company  D,  were  wounded.  Colonel  John  A.  Camp- 
bell, then  commanding  the  brigade,  was  wounded  during  the  time. 
About  half-past  seven  o'clock  a  number  of  regiments,  consisting,  as 
I  have  been  informed,  of  the  Louisiana  brigade,  formed  in  line  of 
battle  in  some  field  to  the  left  of  us,  and  made  a  charge  upon  the 
enemy.  At  their  approach  the  enemy  fled.  The  Rockbridge  battery 
immediately  engaged  in  the  pursuit  of  them,  and  the  brigade  followed 
the  battery.  We  proceeded  rapidly  through  Winchester,  and  halted 
at  about  half-past  eleven  o'clock,  at  a  grove  about  four  miles  from 
town,  on  the  Martinsburg  road. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Captain,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.  W.  LEIGH, 
Captain  commanding  First  Virginia  Battalion,  P.  A.  C.  S.  A. 


1 

12.) 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  PENN. 

Headquarters  Forty-second  Virginia  Regiment, 
Four  miles  from  Winchester, 
On  the   Winchester  and  Maj-tinsburg  Road,  May  28,   1862. 

Colonel  J.  M.  Patton, 

Commanding  Second  Brigade  : 

On  Friday,  the  23rfl  May,  this  regiment,  constituting  a  part  of  the 
second  brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  John  A.  Campbell,  marched 
from  its  camp,  on  the  Luray  and  Front  Royal  road,  two  miles  from 
the  former  place,  to  Front  Royal,  arriving  there  after  the  engagement 
of  the  day  had  closed.  Saturday  it  continued  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy 
on  the  road  to  Middletown,  thence  on  the  road  to  Winchester,  and 
rested  one  hour  during  the  night  near  the  village  of  Kernstown. 
At  five  o'clock  on  Sunday  morning  it  was  ordered  to  support  Captain 
Cutshaw's  battery,  occupying  the  eminence  near  and  to  the  left  of 
Barton's  mill.  Early  in  the  engagement  Major  Ilonry  Lane,  com- 
manding the  regiment,  was  wounded  and  compelled  to  leave  the  field. 
I,  as  senior  captain,  then  assumed  command.  The  regiment  held  tho 
above  position  during  the  engagement,  protected  from  the  heavy  fire 
of  the  enemy  by  the  rifle-pits,  and  followed  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy 
to  this  place. 

The  casualties  were :  Major  Henry  Lane,  wounded  above  the  eye 
by  a  fragment  of  a  shell ;  private  Robert  Newley,  company  C,  slightly 
wounded  in  the  leg;  private  W.  P.  Walton,  company  I,  slightly 
■wounded  in  the  thigh. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

JOHN  E.  PENN, 
Captain  commanding  Forty-second   Virginia  Regiment, 


REPORT  OF   MEDICAL    AND    HOSPITAL   SUPPLIES  CAP- 
TURED. 

Headquarters  Second  Corps,  A.  N.  V.,  Medical  Department, 

March  5,   1863. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  C.  J  Faulkner,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Colonel  :  I  respectfully  submit  the  following  report  of  medical 
and  hospital  stores  captured  from  the  enemy  at  Winchester,  Virginia, 
May  25th,  1862: 

One  of  the  largest  storehouses  in  the  town  had  been  appropriated 
by  the  United  States  medical  purveycti*,  and  was  filled  with  medicines, 
instruments,  and  hospital  stores.  The  supply  was  -very  large,  and 
intended,  as  I  was  told  by  the  Federal  surgeons,  for  the  armies  under 
command  of  Generals  Shields  and  Fremontj  as  well  as  that  of  Gen- 
eral Banks.  Most  of  the  instruments  and  some  medicines  (badly 
needed  at  that  time  by  our  army)  were  issued  to  the  surgeons,  and 
the  rest  sent  to  Charlottesville,  Virginia,  where  they  were  turned 
over  to  a  medical  purveyor.  No  invoice  was  mad<e  of  them.  There 
were  also  two  large,  very  well  furnished  hospitals,  accommodating 
about  seven  hundred  patients.  The  stores  in  these  hospitals  -were 
left  for  the  use  of  the  sick  and  wounded  Federals  and  a  few  of  our 
own  men,  who  were  too  ill  or  badly  wounded  to  be  removed. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

HUNTER  McGUIRE, 
Surgeon  and  Medical  Director  Second  Corps. 


REPORT  OF  PROPERTY  CAPTURED. 

Moss  Neck,  Va.,  March  10,   1863. 
General  T.  J.  Jackson  : 

General:  In  response  to  your  enquiry  as  to  the  amount  of  pro- 
perty captured  and  destroyed  from  the  United  States  forces  under 
General  Banks  at  Front  Royal,  in  the  latter  part  of  May,  1862,  I 
respectfully  submit  the  following  : 

It  is  impossible  for  me  to  make  an  accurate  estimate  of  the  pro- 
perty captured,  owing  to  the  fact  that  I  "was  only  there  a  part  of  one 
day  and  night,  when  I  was  ordered  to  Winchester,  and  left  Captain 
S.  M.  Sommers,  assistant  quartermaster,  in  charge  of  the  public  pro- 
perty captured  at  Front  Royal.  There  was  a  very  large  and  varied 
amount  of  supplies  found  there,  consisting  of  harness,  carpenter's 
tools,  clothing,  horse  shoes  and  nails,  blacksmith's  tools,  forges,  axQs, 
sutlers  and  commissary  stores,  &c.,  &c.,  upon  which  it  is  impossible 
to  place  a  reliable  estimate  of  value. 

A  very  considerable  amount  of  these  stores  passed  at  once  into  our 
possession,  being  taken  in  charge  and  used  by  the  different  quarter- 
masters, as  they  passed  through  with  their  trains.  Many  valuable 
wagons  were  thus  exchanged,  our  worn  out  and  injured  ones  being 
left  in  their  stead.     The  same  was  done  as  to  harness. 

The  subsequent  capture  of  Captain  Sommers  prevented  any  de- 
tailed report  being  made  of  the  property  received  and  turned  over  to 
him.  Upon  my  arrival  in  Winchester,  I  at  once  set  about  making 
the  most  ample  preparations  for  removing  this  property  to  the  rear, 
and  had  detailed  from  each  brigade  .a  large  number  of  wagons  for 
•that  purpose.  In  addition,  I  ordered  up  all  the  available  transporta- 
tio»  from  Staunton,  and  it  had  arrived  within  less  than  a  day's  travel 
of  Front  Royal,  when  that  place  was  re-captured  by  a  portion  of 
General  Shields'  amy.  The  trains  from  the  brigades  had  partially 
arrived  there,  and  a  portion  had  been  loaded  and  seiit  off,  Avhile  a  part 
turned  back  to  Winchester.  This  train  was  placed  by  me  in  charge 
of  Captain  J.  L.  Cole,  assistant  quartermaster  thirty-seventh  Vir- 
ginia regiment,  (since  resigned,)  with  instructions  to  take  immediate 
charge  of  the  shipment  to  the  rear.  He  proceeded  in  part  to  the 
performance  of  his  duty,  but  was  interrupted  by  the  entry  of  the 
enemy  into  Front  Royal.  He  narrowly  escaped  capture,  having  re- 
mained behind  our  troops  (on  his  own  motion)  for  the  purpose  of 
firing  the  depot  and  an  adjoining  building,  full  of  stores,  both  of 
which  were  burned  to  the  ground.  His  estimate  of  the  stores  thus 
consumed  is  (I  am  informed)  $300,000,  in  which  I  concur,  from  my 
own  recollection  of  the  contents  of  the  buildings.  Having  accom- 
plished this.  Captain  Cole  followed  our  retreating  forces.  With  the 
preparations  made  as  above,  had  our  forces  held  possession  of  Front 
Royal  forty-eight  hours  longer,  all  the  captured  property  would  have 
been  secured  and  taken  to  the  rear. 

Very  respectfully  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  A.  IIARMAN,  Major,  Chief  Q.  M.  F.  D. 


157 

SUMMARY  OF  KILLED,  WOUNDED    AND  MISSING  in  the 

Battle  of  Winchester,  2Srd,  24th  and  25ih  May,  1862. 

Officers  killed 3 

Officers  wounded M       13 

Non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  killed 36 

Non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  wounded 162 

Non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  missing 3     201 


214 


OPERATIONS  IN  WESTERN  VIRGINIA. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  H.  MARSHALL. 


JoNESViLLE,  Va.,  January  31,  1883. 

Hon.  J.  A.  Seddon, 

Secretary  of  War  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  your  note  of  the  13th  instant, 
covering  a  letter  from  Major  Isaac  B.  Dunn,  to  Mr.  Tucker,  was  de- 
livered to  me  while  I  was  en  route  for  this  place.  I  required  of  my 
subaltern  officers  to  make  reports  of  the  movements  of  their  com- 
mands, having  relation  to  the  late  raid  into  this  country,  by  a  force 
under  Gen.  Carter,  and  I  have  now  the  satisfaction  to  submit  them  here- 
with. As  my  action  in  relation  to  the  same  affair  has  been  made  the 
subject  of  public  criticism,  by  persons  wholly  uninformed  of  the  facts, 
as  well  as  by  others  whose  desire  to  pervert  the  facts  is  unmistakeabl«, 
I  have  concluded,  as  it  is  in  my  power  to  do  so,  to  lay  before  you  all 
the  despatches,  orders  and  information  which  from  time  to  time  were 
given  or  received  by  me,  so  that,  with  these  before  him,  the  President 
may  form  his  own  judgment  upon  the  points  to  which  it  has  been  his 
pleasure,  through  you,  to  direct  my  attention.  I  shall  by  the  same 
means  best  answer  the  allegations  of  malevolence,  and  blunt  the  shaft 
of  impertinent  criticism,  or  enable  those  who  seem  sedulous  to  hold 
my  action  up  to  censure,  to  justify,  from  my  own  mouth,  their  ani- 
madversions. 

On  the  night  of  the  29th  December,  1862,  being  at  Abingdon,  Vir- 
ginia, I  received,  between  nine  and  ten,  P.  M.,  the  following  des- 
patch : 

Pattonsville,  Scott  Countt  Va.,      ) 

Via  Morristovm,  Tennessee,  S 

December  29,  1862—12  M.      ) 

General  Marshall  : 

Sir  :  There  are  four  thousand  (4,000)  cavalry  of  the  enemy  march- 
ing on  Bristol.  They  were  in  forty-five  miles  of  Bristol  at  one 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  to-day. 

J.  P.  LANIER,  Captain, 


160 

My  first  thought  was  that  if  the  telegram  was  true  at  all,  it  was  not 
possible  for  Captain  Lanier  to  know  where  such  a  force  of  the  enemy 
intended  to  strike,  merely  seeing  them  pass  Pattonsville,  going  in  the 
direction  of  Bristol.  It  was  not  certain  if  four  thousand  cavalry  had 
passed  Pattonsville,  that  it  was  the  only  column  in  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia. I  knew  that  from  Pattonsville  tho  column  might  take  anyone 
of  a  half  a  dozen  roads  that  would  lead  directly  to  the  section  of 
country  in  which  I  was  then  located,  and  that  the  salt  works  in 
Smythe  county  (eighteen  miles  above  Abingdon  and  near  the  rail- 
road.) would  be  an  interest  at  which  such  a  force  would  be  most  apt 
to  direct  its  efforts  ;  it  might  make  a  feint  on  Bristol,  an  unimportant 
depot,  while  the  main  body  might  move  rapidly  upon  Saltville,  and, 
in  an  hour,  might  there  do  damage  that  wouhl  be  nearly  irreparable.  I 
felt  that  I  owed  the  duty  of  taking  care  that  no  such  eft'ect  might  be 
produced.  My  command  wa^  at  that  time  much  scattered.  Two  of 
my  regiments  and  a  battalion  had  been  detached  at  your  o>^n  urgent 
request.  I  had  left  a  regiment,  nearly  formed,  in  Kentucky,  beyond 
the  Cumberland  mountains.  1  had  only  the  representatives  of  two 
infantry  companies  left.  One  of  these,  the  forty-sixth  Virginia,  had 
only  been  formed  about  one  month  by  adding  a  battalion-.of  perfectly 
raw  recruits  to  a  battalion  which  had  been  in  service  for  a  year  past. 
I  had  never  seen  this  regiment  since  it  had  taken  a  regimental  forma- 
tion. I  had  ordered  it  down  to  take  post  in  front  of  Bristol,  that  it 
might  be  in  a  place  to  be  equipped  and  drilled,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
might  be  transferred  rapidly  by  rail  to  any  point  where  its  services 
should  be  needed.  The  other  infantry  force  consisted  of  six  compa- 
nies of  minimum  size,  all  recruited  during  my  march  into  Kentucky 
last  summer,  and  which  I  now  had  near  Abingdon  to  drill,  and  to  afford 
me  a  chance  to  swell  its  numbers  to  at  least  the  number  of  companies 
t^  ruake  a  skeleton  regiment.  A  battalion  of  Georgia  artillery,  under 
my  command,  was  at  Jeffersonville,  in  Tazewell  county,  about  five  hun- 
dred strong,  with  a  battery  of  twelve  pieces.  I  had  a  battery  of 
six  pieces  at  Wytheville,  where  it  had  been  placed  under  directions 
from  your  predecessor  in  office ;  another  battery  of  four  pieces 
was  then  en  route  for  Rocky  Gap,  in  Bland  county,  by  agreement  be- 
tween the  Major  General  and  myself.  The  rest  of  my  force  was 
mounted,  and  had  for  some  time  past  been  moving  about  to  find  a 
scanty  forage,  and  to  draw  it  from  unwilling  owners  in  every  part  of 
southwest  Virginia.  Still,  it  had  been  required  to  keep  in  relation 
to  the  points  of  the  country  demanding  defence.  I  had  in  November 
stationed  it  to  forage  near  Kingspcrt,  Tennessee,  but  the  military 
authority  commanding  that  department  had  ordered  the  oflBcers  to 
withdraw  from  that  department,  and  under  penalty  of  arrest,  not  to 
take  corn  or  other  forage  or  supplies  from  East  Tennessee  ;  and  they 
had  funished  me  with  a  copy  of  this  order,  in  the  nature  of  a  demand, 
that  it  should  meet  my  acquiescence.  In  consequence  of  this,  mj 
mounted  force  had  been  scattered  to  collect  forage.  The  fourth  Ken- 
tucky cavalry  had  from  day  to  day  fallen  back  to  Russell  county,  Vir- 
ginia. The  first  battalion  of  Kentucky  mounted  rifles  had  camped 
near  the  Three  Springs,  in  Washington  county,  Virginia.     Johnson's 


161  \ 

battalion  of  four  companies  still  lingered  near  Kingsport,  but  was  on 
the  eve  of  starting  to  Kentucky  to  try  to  find  forage  and  recruits. 
Witcher's  battalion  of  Virginia  riflemen,  mounted,  also  had  drifted  as 
far  east  as  Chatham  hill,  in  Smythe  county,  a  point  on  the  road  from 
Marion  to  Jeffersonville,  and  above  the  salt  works  McFarland's 
company  of  Virginia  cavalry  was  posted  at  the  Richlands.  in  Taze- 
well, to  observe  the  approaches  from  the  valley  of  the  Sandy.  If 
you  are  conversant  with  the  geography  of  this  section  of  the  State, 
you  will  observe  from  ray  statement  of  the  fact.^,  that  at  the  time  cf 
Captain  Larmer's  telegram  my  force  of  less  than  three  thousand  men, 
was  dispersed  over  about  sixty  miles  square,  the  most  of  it  principally 
engaged  in  trying  to  keep  from  starvation  the  horses  so  necessary  to 
service  in  this  part  of  the  Confederacy,  I  felt  exfemeljtembarrafssed 
by  the  condition  of  affairs,  but  soon  arranged  in  my  own  mind  a 
theory  upon  which  to  meet  the  enemy,  to  learn  his  intentions  and 
movements,  and  to  ascertain  the  data  by  which  to  regulate  ray  own 
movements.  Several  officers  from  these  commands  were  in  Abingdoa 
that  night  on  business,  and  I  had  been  aroused  and  summoned  to  my 
quarters  to  receive  orders.  I  at  once  sent  to  Colonel  Slemp,  com- 
manding the  sixty-fourth  Virginia  infantry,  in  camp  one  mile  from 
Bristol,  the  following  dispatch  by  telegraph : 

Abingdon,  Dec.  29,  1862—10,  P.  M. 
Colonel  Slemp  : 

I  have  a  dispatch  from  Larmer  that  four  thousand  of  the  enemy's 
cavalry  are  marching  on  Bristol  and  were  within  forty-five  miles  of  it 
to  day  at  one,  P.  M.  Be  on  the  alert.  Communicate  immediately  to 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Clay  at  the  "Three  Springs,"  and  direct  him  to 
throw  out  scouts  to  learn  tfie  movements  of  the  enemy.  Tvhich  you 
will  immediately  communicate  to  me  at  this  place. 

H,  Marshall,  Brigadier  Genrral. 

*     Also,  I  sent  to  Wytheville  the  following  : 

Abingdon,  Dec  29,  1862—10,  P.  M. 

Captains  Jeffries  and  Davidson  : 

I  have  just  received  dispatch  that  four  thousand  of  the  enemy's 
cavalry  were  in  forty-five  miles  of  Bristol  at  one,  P.  M.,  this  day, 
marching  on  that  place.  Four  battteries  must  come  to  this  place 
immediately. 

•  '  H.  Marshall,  Biigadier  General. 

In  fifteen  minutes  I  received  the  following : 

Wytheville,  Dec.  29. 

General  :  Your  dispatch  received.  I  shall  start  the  horses  by 
land  and  await  railroad  transportation  for  the  battery,  etc.  Is  this 
best  ?  Let  me  know  immediately  if  you  can  send  down  by  the  cars. 
Reply  immediately. 

W.  C.  J'effries, 
Captain  commanding  battery. 
11 


162 

I  instantly  returned  this  reply  : 

C-APTArN  :  Dispatch  received.  Reserve  your  harness  to  come  with 
puns  .ind  men.  Start  horses  immediately.  Davidson's  battery,  if  at 
Wytheville,  to  come  aTso. 

II.  Mahsi^\li.,  Brigndier  General. 

I  sent  this  shortly  afterwards,  referring  to  same  subject: 

Abingdon,  Dec.  ,29,  1862 — Near  midnight. 
Mr.  DoDASfEAD,  ot  Lynchburg  : 

It  is  very  important  to  transport  Jeffries'  and  Davidson's  batteiiea 
(ten  piecw^  of  artillery  with  caissons  and  carriages)  to  Abingdon 
to-night ;  also,  their  companies,  say  one  hundred  and  twenty-five 
men.  Can  I  rely  on  you  to  furnish  the  transportation  at  Wythe- 
ville ? 

II.  Marshall,  Brigadier  General. 

I  may  as  well  say  here  that  the  reply  to  this  dispatch  was  delivered 
to  me  next  day  about  two.  P,  M.,  as  follows  :. 

Lynchburg,  Dec.  30. 

To  General  II.  Marshall  : 

Message  not  received  until  ten,  this  A.  M.  Have  trains  now  load- 
ing at  Wytheville. 

T.     DonAMEAD, 

The  train  aforesaid  brought  on  the  batteries  the  next  night  to  Bris- 
tol under  the  following  order  ; 

Abingdon,  Dec.  30,  1862 — quarter  to  seven,  P.  M. 

SPECIAL  ORDER, 
No.  105. 

Captain  Jeffries  and  Captain  Davidson's  batteries,  if  they  arrive  at 
Abingdon  to-night,  will  proceed  direct  to  Bristol  without  delay. 
By  order  of  II.  Marshall,  Brigadier  General  commanding. 

Edvv'd  0.  GuERRANT,  A.  A.  General. 

On  the  night  of  the  29th,  after  sending  the  dispatches  set  forth 

above,  I  sent  to  Major  General  Samuel  Jones  the  foUowing  telegram  : 

f 
Abingdon,  Dec.  29. 

To  Miljor  General  S.  Jones, 

•  Dublin  depot  : 

General  :  '  Dispatches  just  received  from  Captain  Larmer,  of 
Trigg's  rangers,  from  Pattonsville,  Scott  county,  Va.,  announces  four 
thousand  cavalry  of  the  enemy  in  forty-five  miles  of  Bristol  to-day 
Atone  o'clock,  P.  M.,  marching  on  that  point.  I  have  ordered  my 
batteries  at. Wytheville  to  Abingdon,  and  shall  order  the  Georgia  bat- 
talion to  fall  back  to  Saltville  immediately.  A  regiment  of  infantry 
and  a  battalion  of  horse  of  mine,  four  miles  from  Bristol ;  one  batta- 


1G3 

lion  of  infantry  here  ;  one  regiment,  of  cavalry  in  front  of  Hyder's 
gap,  cover  Saltvillo. 

II.  Mai  bHALL,  Brigadier  General. 

I  aroused  Lieutenant  Coloeel  Pryor,  of  the  fourth  Kentucky  cav- 
alry, and  sent  him  to.  his  camp  that  night,  (29th,)  distant  twenty-two 
miles  from  Abingdon,  with  orders  immediatelj'  to  throw  out  heMjy 
cavalry  pickets  to  Russell  old  court-house,  to  Hensonville,  and  to  tne 
mouth  of  Dump's  creek,  with  flying  videttes  from  those  pickets  to 
move  some  eight  or  ten  miles  down  the  roads  leading  in  the  direction 
of  Estillville  and  Osborne's  ford,  on  Clinch  river,  so  as  to  discover,  if 
possible,  by  morning,  on  what  road  the  enemy  was  in  fact  moving, 
and  whether  his  main  force  was  threatening  Saltville,  Lebanon,  or 
Abingdon  He  was  instructed  on  his  arrival  at  his  camp  immediately 
to  despatch  a  mounted  courier  to  .Msijor  Leyden,  of  the  Georgia  artil- 
lery, at  Jefferson villc,  with  orders  to  conduct  his  battalion,  without 
any  delay,  to  Saltville,  and  to  take  position  so  as  to  defend  the  salt 
works.  At  the  same  time  I  ordered  Major  Tom  Johnson,  of  Ken- 
tucky,-to  repair  without  delay  to  his  camp  at  Kingsport,  Tennessee, 
and  to  fall  back  upon  Clay's  camp  at  the  Three  Springs,  so  as  to  unite 
with  the  troops  near  Bristol  in  the  defence  of  the  place  and  the  rail- 
road. Major  Witcher's  battalion  was  at  Chatham  hill.  He  was. 
absent  on  account  of  wounds  from  which  he  had  not  yet  wholly 
recovered.  His  ranking  capt:»in  was  at  Abingdon  that  night,  but 
could  not  be  found.  He  was  found  next  morning  and  the  following 
order  was  delivered  to  hira  : 

Abingdon,.  Dec.  30,  1862. 

Captain  Harmon  will  move  Witcher's  battalion  with  all  practicaMo 
speed,  via  SaltvHle,  down  Poor  valley  to  the  Little  Moccasin  gap 
Arrived  there,  throw  scouts  out  to  Hanson's,  and  open  communica- 
tion with  Giltner.  If  the  enemy  is  advancing  with  Boyd's,  to  Rus- 
sell old  court-house,  let  him  proceed,  but  advise  me  of  his  approach. 
Reach  your  post  by  daybreak  to-morrow,  at  least,  and  inform  me 
when  you  arrive.  • 

H.  M.^RSHALL,  Brigadier  General. 

Thus,  sir,  you  will  perceive,  that  receiving  the  dispatch  from  Gap.- 
tain  Jjarmer,  I  had  at  once  advised  every  one  with  whom  I  had  any 
military  connection,  of  the  advance  of  the  enemy  before  1  slept,  and 
had  asssigned  to  my  troops,  scattered  over  nearly  sixty  miles,  the 
duties  Ivhich  would  devolve  upon  them.  To  those  at  Abingdon, 
I  gave  notice  to  hold  themselves  in  readine&s,  and  sent  a  picket  of 
mounted  men,  from  a  squad  waiting  at  headquarters,  to  Woolsey,  at 
the  ford  of  Holston,  seven  miles  back  of  Abingdon,  with  orders  to  send 
videttes  down  the  river  road,  similar  to  those  I  had  already  detailed. 
My  plan,  as  you  will  see,  was  to  accept  Abingdon  as  my  post;  to 
adopt  the  road  0  Pound  Gap  as  my  line  of  observation,  as  it  ran 
transversely  to  every  road  leading  frojn  the  direction  of  Pattonsville 
to  the  salt  works,  and  the  upper  country  ;  to  throw  out  my  scouts 
upon  those  roads,  and  to  learn,  "before  I  undertookiH  move,  where  the 


164 

€ncmy  was,  so  that  I  iingbt  mass  my  disposable  force  in  bis  front. 
At  the  same  time  by  dispositions  in  the  direction  of  Bristol,  assumed 
to  be  on  the  other  face  of  a  parallelogram  that  certainly  embraced  the 
enemy,  I  observed  him  in  like  manner  and  with  a  similar  interest  to 
guide  my  own  future  actions.  Aftei"  a  full  opportunity  to  review 
what  was  done  and  how  it  should  have  been  done,  I  see  no  reason  to 
%egret  the  determination  I  made  or  how  I  could  have  been  more 
prompt.  On  the  morning  of  the  3(lth,  hearing  tliat  Major  General 
Floyd,  of  the  Virginia  State  line,  was  in  Abingdon  and  had  some 
forces  near  Saltvillc,  I  at  once  addressed  him  the  following  note  : 

Abingdon,  Dec.  30,   1862. 

Major  General  Floyd  : 

I  think  it  proper  to  inform  you  that  I  have  dispatches  which 
render  ■  it  more  than  probable  the  enemy  is  making  a  rai<l  in  this 
direction.  It  will  be  well  to  inform  your  forces  near  Saltvillc  of  the 
fact.  It  will  afford  me  great  pleasure  toco-operate  with  you  in  move- 
ments for  his  arrest  and  chastisement,  to  which  I  think,  my  own  force 
is  probably  equal,  and  our  united  forces  will  be  ample. 
Respectfully,  etc., 

II.  Marshall,  Br'igcdier  General  P.  A.  C.  S. 

Ascertaining  that  General  Floyd  had  gone  to  Saltvillc,  I  dispatched 
to  him  the  information  I  possessed,  which  he  courteously  acknowledged 
the  same  night.  I  did  not  telegraph  to  Knoxville,  because  my  own  dis- 
patch coming  by  Morristown,  1  did  not  doubt  the  same  had  already  been 
communicated  to  hea(lquarters  at  Knoxvillc  This  was  the  case,  in 
fact,  for  the  dispatch  was  sent  to  both  places  at  the  same,  time,  and 
was  received  at  Knoxville  as  soon  as  I  received  it  in  another  military 
department. 

Early  in  the  morning,  I  learned  that  the  railroad  cars  had  left 
Bristol  in  the  proceeding  night,  about  three,  A.  M.,  transporting 
Government  stores  to  Abingdon,  for  safety,  and  that  they  were  then 
at  Abingdon.  I  expressed  to  the  men  who  had  given  me  the  informa- 
tion, and  who  brought  the  cars  to  Abingdon,  my  gratification  that  they 
were  at  hand,  aijd  requested  the  conductor  to  remain,  for  that  during 
the  morning  I  might  desire  their  return  to  Bristol  with  ammunition 
and  -troops.  1  understood  him  to  signify  his  assent,  and  indeed  I  did 
not  think  it  probable  there  would  be  any  inclination  on  the  part  of 
any  of  those  concerned  to  return  to  Bristol  unless  under  my  positive 
orders  to  do  so.  At  a  later  hour  that  morning,  I  had  a  supply  of 
ammunition  for  Bristol  put  on  those  cars,  and  I  remember  that  some 
■one  called  at  my  room  to  say  to  me  that  the  ammunition  was  aboard 
the  car^,  and  they  ready  to  proceed  again  to  Bristol,  and  they  wanted 
to  know  if  I  had  any  other  orders.  I  replied  to  this,  that  they  should 
wait  a  little  and  I  would  attend  to  it,  for  I  was,  at  that  time,  busy 
with  dispatches.  They  <iid  not  wait  but  left  fo^Bristol,  without  my 
knowledge,  and  so  caused  me  very  serious  disappointment,  and  pre- 
vented me  from  reaching  Bristol  at  a  time  when  the  probability  is  I 
should  have  sHed  the  damage  to  the  railroad  bridges  that  ensued. 


165 

As  the  cars  were  on  hand  at  Abingdon,  I  never  thought  of  asking 
any  one  to  send  them  there,  and  as  those  who  had  them  in  charge 
promised  to  wait  my  orders,  I  never  thought  of  asking  Mr.  Doda- 
mead  at  Lynchburg  to  tell  them  to  do  so.  •!  had  dispatched  the  night 
before  to  give  me  transportation  for  my  artillery  and  had  received  no 
reply. 

By  reference  to  his  dispatch  you  will  see  he  did  not  receive  my 
dispatch  until  a  later  hour  on  the  30th,  than  that  at  which  I  saw  the 
cars  at  Abingdon  from  Bristol,  and  if  the  telegraph  had  done  no  better 
in  conveying  a  dispatch  to  order  those  cars  to  stay  than  it  did  in  pro- 
curing cars  for  my  artillery  at  Wytheville,  I  should  not  have  attained 
the  object  in  view  or  have  been  able  to  avoid  the  loss. 

On  the  30th,  about  nine,  A.  M.,  the  following  order  reached  me  at 
Abingdon  : 

Half  past  2,  A.  M.,— Dec.  30. 
To  General  Marshall: 

Information  received  at  twelve  o'clock  to  night,  ia  that  the  enemy  ■ 
were  ten  miles  beyond  Estcllville  at  dark,  which  is  thirty-one  miles 
from  this  place.  The  most  reliable  information  is  that  the  enemy 'is  two 
thousand  in  number.  One  man  direct  from  there,  counted  four  hundred 
and  ninety,  said  to  be  a  detachment.  They  could  arrive  here  against 
early  in  the  morning,  probably  at  daylight.  We  will  have  about  five 
hundred  infantry  and  Clay's  battalion,  also  Johnson's  and  Giltner's, 
if  they  have  received  the  information  we  sent  them  by  courier.  You 
can  well  see  what  we  are  in  want  of,  inore  men,  but  we  will  fight  them 
with  what  we  have.  There  ought  to  be  another  regiment,  at  lea'st, 
here,  and  I  think  wo  could  thrash  them  decently.  I  would  like  that 
you  could  be  here  in  person.  More  ammunition  is  wanted,  muskets 
certainl}''. 


Also  the  following 


C.  Slemp,  Colojiel  commanding . 
Half  past  7,  A.  M. — Dec.  30. 


General  Marshall  : 

Enemy  advancing,  I  think  to  Bristol,  cannot  tell  which  road.  I 
caught  three  stragglers,  sent  seven  miles  from  camp.  Part  of  three 
regiments,  perhaps  fifteen  hundred  or  two  thousand  strong. 

E.  F.  Clay, 
.   Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding.. 

I  dispatched  the  reply  to  Colonel  Slemp. 

Abi.ngdon — 10  o'clock,  A.  M. 
Colonel  Slemp  : 

Johnson  ordered  to  join  Clay.  I  think  fhe  enemy  has  divided  his 
force,  and  may  be  trying  to  get  to  the  salt-works  or  to  this  place. 
Throw  cavalry  scouts  well  forward.     You  shall  have  artillery  so  soon 


166 

R8  it  arrives  from  Wytheville.  Report  every  hour  to  me  at  this  place. 
If  attack  on  Bristol  be  certain,  I  ^vill  move  Hawkins  with  four  hun- 
dred to  join  you,  in  an  hour. 

II.  MARsn.\LL,  Brigadier  General.     . 

As  the  morning  advanced  I  receivcl  the  following  additional  tele- 
gram : 

Bristol,  Dec.  30,  18G2— Half  p.ist  10,  A.  M. 

General  Marshall  : 

Dispatches  from  Jonesboro'  state  that  courier  had  arrived,  and 
stated  enemy  in  twenty  miles  of  this  place  last  night.  Three  of  their 
scouts  were  captured  last  night,  twelve  miles  from  here,  by  Clay's 
cavalry. 

T.   W.   W.   Davis,  ccinmanding  post. 

Bristol,  Dec.  29—3  o'clock. 
General  Marshall  : 

We  have  five  hundred  and  fifty  infantry  and  three  hundred  cavalry. 
Can  you  send  us  two  pieces  of  artillery,  with  canister  and  shrapnel? 

T.   W.   W.   Davis,  commanding  post. 


General  Marshall 


Bristol,  December  30. 

• 


^end  ten  (10)  boxes  musket  cartridges.  Enemy,  from  best  infor- 
mation, turned  in  the  direction  of  Blountville,  twelve  to  fifteen  hun- 
dred strong.  Our  force  united,  1  think,  can  take  them.  Be  glad  yo.ur 
company. 

C.  Slemp,  Colonel. 

On  receipt  of  these  dispatches  the  ammunition  was  ordered  to  the 
cars  at  Abingdon  immediately.  Unfortunately  it  afforded  an  excuse 
for  them  to  return  to  Bristol  without  further  notice  to  me. 

I  received  the  following  note  from  Major  Anderson,  by  courier  ; 

Clay's  Camp,  Dec.  30,  1862. 
General  Marshall  : 

I  passed  Clay's  camp  about  three  o'clock.  1  proceeded  on  the-Kings- 
port  road.  About  seven  miles  from  his  cam.p  I  met  Clay's  pickets 
dashing  back,  and  they  reported  the  Yankees  in  pursuit.  I  rode  to 
the  rear  and  it  was  still  dark,  and  three  Yankees  rode  up  and  asked 
me  if  we  were  the  ninth  Pennsylvania  regiment.  I  unhorsed  one, 
the  other  tv, o  surrendered.  'I  learn' from  these  men,  there  are  three 
regiments  ahead  of  the  prisoners,  of  course  they  are  near  by.  I  am 
jout  off  from  my  command*.  I  have  no  doubt  they  are  marching  for 
Bristol,  and  can  be. there  by  noon. 

Thos.  Johnson,  Major,  Sfc^ 


167 

The  foregoing  was  received  at  eleven,  A.  M,  Also  the  following 
from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Clay: 

December  30 — ?1 1  o'clock.  A.  M. 
I  have  received  information  fr'om  Lieutenant  Jack,  of  Johnson's 
command,  thar  the  enemy  has  gone  in^the  direction  of  LTnion,  perhaps 
•will  thence  to  Bristol — force  about  fifteen  hundred.  Johnson's  com- 
mand is  near  here — will  act  together  in  the  direction  of  LTnion.  This 
command  is  only  about  eighty  men.      I  have  scouts  in  all  directions. 

E.  F,  Cl\y,  Lieutenant  Colonel. 

Three  Springs — 11,  A.  M. 
To  General  Marshall  : 

Reliable  information,  the  eacmy  gone  to  LTnion  by  the  Blountville 
road  ;  will  be  there  by  one  o'cIock.  Major  Johnson's  command  will 
act  in  that  direction.. 

E.   F    Clay,  Linitcnant  Colonpl. 

The  pickets  sent  out  to  the  Ilolston  ford  brought  me  now  a  report 
that  the  enemy  was  not  seen  on  the  roads  leaaiijg  from  Estillville  in 
the  direction  of  the  salt  works,  and  as  the  above  telegrams  indicated 
that  his  movements  were  really  <-esigned  for  Bristol  or  its  vicinity,  I 
ordered  Colonel  Hawkins  to  move  his  infantry  at  once  to  the  railroad 
cars  to  embark  for  Bristol,  intending  to  transfer  my  force  to  the  front 
of  the  enemy.  The  word'  soon  came  for  me,  to  my  surprise  ^ud  mor- 
tification, that  the  cars  had  returned  to  Bristol.  I  directed  the  Col- 
onel to  wait  at  the  depot  until  the  cars  could  be  ordered  to  return.  I 
was  in  the  telegraph  office,  I  think,  at  the  time;  if  not,  I  was  in  ita 
immediate  vicinity,  and  requested  the  telegraphic  operator  to  dispatch 
immediately  to  have  the  cars  returned  from  Bristol,  to  transport  my 
troops  to  that  point  I  waited  a  considerable  time  before  I  received 
any  reply.     Meanwhile  the  following  arrived  : 

Decembkr  3()th. 
General  Marshall  : 

Enemy  reported  within  three  miles  of  this  place  ;  have  moved  oat 
to  moet  him.  Send  me  reinforcements  and  ammunition.  Detachment 
is  reported  moving  on  Holston  bridge.  Johnson's  command  is  on  th© 
path.  T.  W.  W.  Davis,  Commanding  pod. 

I  was  now  most  an>:iou3,  as  I  had  at  a  quarter  past  twelve  received 
the  following  from-  Major  General  Sam'l.  Jones,  in  reply  to  mine  of 
the  preceding  night : 

DuBLix,  December  3i).  * 
To  General  H.  Marshall: 

Your  telegram  this  instant  received.  Presume  you  have  give«  the 
officers  commanding  the  troops  in  four  miles  of  Bristol  (notice  ?)  of 
the  movements  of  the  enemy  on  that  point,  with  the  necessary  direc- 
tions for  uniting  them  ;  if  you  have  not  done  so,  do  it  immediately. 
Fend  the  battalions  of  infantry  from  Wytheville  to  Bristol,  and  go 
there  yourself,  assume  command,  and  make  the  best  disposition  you 
can  for  the  defence  of  the  place.     I  will  send  you  five  or  six  hundred 


163 

of  Jenkins'  men,  (dismounted.)     Telegraph  proraptlj  all  tlie  informa- 
tion you  get.  • 

Sa.m'l   Jom.s,  Major  General. 

Expecting  the  return  of  the  ^faiu  from  IJristol  every  minute,  I  re- 
ceived the  following  from  the  telegraphic  operator,  I  think  : 

Bristol,  December  30. 
To  G.  Kkller  : 

Does  General  Marshall  order  trains  ?  If  so,  answer  at  .once,  and 
Kay  how  many  troops  to  come.  AV.   S.   Minor. 

Now,  for  the  first  time  in  ray  life,  did  I  know  such  a  being  existed 
as  Mr.  Minor.  I  learned  he  was  the  railroad  agent  at  Bristol,  having 
charge  of  the  trains.  This  dispatch  to  Mr.  Keller — who,  I  suppose, 
is  the  raih'oad  agent  at  Abingdon — is  evidently  tlie  answer  to  the  first 
request  I  made  to  have  the  trains  returned.  ■  It  was  of  the  first  im- 
portance they  sliould  come  at  once,  and  then  understanding  that  the 
man  only  wanted  to  know  if  it  was  ray  order  they  should  come,  I 
dispatched  him  as  follows  :  • 

AtiNGiioN,  December  3U. 
W,  S.  Mi\0R,  Agent,  Bristol : 

Send  me  cars  directly  to  transport  five  hundred  men  and  eight 
horses.     •  II.  Marshall,  Brigadier  General. 

There  was  another  long  interval  before  a  rcjjly  came,  and  then  I 
received  the  following  : 

Bristol,  Tlnn.,  Deamber  30. 
To  General  Marshall: 

Please  communicate  with  tlie  general  superintendent  at  Lynchburg 
with  regard  to  the  cars  asked  for.  W.  S.  Minor. 

And  very  shortly  after  I  received  this  from  Lynchburg: 

Lynchburg,  Dccerhber  30,  1SG2. 
To  General  Mar.->hall  : 

You  will  plea.se  address  orders  to  me  for  transportation  Subordin- 
ate agents  have  no  authority  to  order  the  movements  of  trains.  You 
can  at  once  see  the  propriety  of  this;  otherwise,  collisions  might  oc- 
cur. T.    DODAMEAD. 

Obedient,  of  course,  to  the  rnilroad  regulations,  but  intensel}^  anx- 
ious to  get  to  Bristol.  I  requested  Mr.  Dodamead  to  have  the'goodness 
to  order  the  trains  from  Bristol,  to  which  he  courteously  replied : 

"  I  have  ordered  a  train  at  once  from  Bristol  to  take  the  men  from 
Abingdon.  Everything  shall  be  done  to  ail  the  prompt  movement  of 
the  troops.  •        .  T.  Dodamead." 

This  dispatch  was  received  at  Abingdon  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,. 
which  marks  the  time  which  had  elapsed  since  I  ordered  Colonel  Haw- 
kins to  wait  for  the  return  of  the  train,  until  I  obtained,  by  regular 
approach,  consent  from  the  proper  quarter  that  one  should  cornea/  ojice. 
But  the  |)romised  train  did  not  come  until  nearly  eight  o'clock,  P.  M.; 


169 

after  night,  and  after  the  enemy  had  burned  both  the  bridges,  and  had 
gone  west  from  the  Watauga,  and  the  scouts  from  Union  had  made 
the  facts  known  at  Bristol ;  for  the  scouts  returned  by  dark,  (say  five 
o'clock,  P.  M.,)  and  then  the  trains  came  to  aid  me  in  the  "  prompt 
movement  of  the  troops." 

I  had  received  from  Colonel  Slemp,  in  the  afternoon,  a  closing  dis- 
patch, which  gave  me  quiet  upon  the  point  as  to  whether  he  and  the 
enemy  had  met : 

Bristol,  December  30,  1862. 
To  General  Marshall  : 

Reliable  information,  received  at  one  and  a  half  o'clock,  P.  M., 
states  the  enemy  are  at  Union,  and  bridge  burning.  Clay's  and  my 
command  are  here.  Johnson  is  coming.  Our  strength  is  nine  hun- 
dred. We  will  not  advance  on  them  till  word  from  you.  Their 
strength  supposed  to  be  larp-e — three  thousand.  Communication 
stopped  in  that  direction  by  telegraph. 

C.   Slemp,  Cc.lond  commanding. 

Thus,  Mr.  Secretary,  you  will  see  that  to  the  last,  when  the  enemy 
had  reached  the  bridge  ^and  had  burned  it,  his  force  was  estimated  as 
very  superior  to  any  I  could  command,  and  you  will  readily  realize 
the  anxiety  I  labored  under  to  get  forward  to  Bristol  the  limited  rein- 
forcement I  had  to  furnish  from  Abingdon.  It  was  raining  all  that 
evening  very  hard,  indeed.  1  h-M  been  kept  in  momentary  jexpecta- 
tion  of  the  arrival  of  the  cars  from  Bristol,  It  never  occurred, to  my 
mind  that  Minor's  despatch  to  Keller  was  in  the  nature  of  a  protest 
against  my  authority  to  order  the  cars,  for  my  mind  was  only  bent 
on'getting  the  transportation,  and  I  supposed  the  agent  would  be  as 
anxious  as  I  to  afford  the  protection  to  Bristol  a  reinforcement  would 
furnish.  As  to  collision,  that  was  impossible,  for  it  is  only  fifteen 
miles  from  Bristol  to  Abingdon,  and  thei-e  is  no  stopping  place  between. 
Cars  might  run  the  distance  in  half  an  hour,  and  one  hour  from 
Abingdon  should  have  put  the  troops  at  Union.  Had  they  started 
by  twelve,  they  could  have  saved  the  bridge,  or  at  least  could  have 
contested  its  possession  even  with  a  superior  force.  I  did  all,  as  it 
seems  to  me,  I  could  to  get  there  to  bring  the  required  relief;  but, 
as  you  see,  I  tried  in  vain.  Before  leaving  Abingdon,  on  the  30th, 
I  addressed  the  following  order  to  Colonel  Giltner,  by  courier: 

.  Abingdon,  Va.,  December  30 — 6,  P.  M. 
Colonel  Giltner  will  move  his  cavalry  regiment  so  as  to  join  the 
main  body  of  my  command  before  Bristol  without  delay,  unless  his 
scouts  inform  him  of  the  approach  of  a  force  of  the  enemy  on  the 
road  to  Lebanon.  Leave  all  bagg«ge  behind  except  a  few  cooking 
utensils  and  ammunition,  and  hurry.  This  order  extends  also  to 
Witcher's  battalion,  which  communicate  to  them  at  or  near  Little 
Moccasin  Gap. 

H,  Marshall,  Brigadier  General. 

As  my  artillery  had  not  arrived  from  Wythcville,  I  left  an  order 
for  it  to  come  direct  to  Bristol  that  night,  which  order  I  have  already 


170 

eet  forth  in  a  former  page  of  this  roport.  I  embarked  on  the  cars, 
with  the  troops,  about  eight,  P.  M  ,  and  we  arrived  at  BriVtol  between 
eleven  and  twelve.  I  was  met  at  the  cars  by  Colonel  Slcmp.  and  from 
him  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Clay  I  learned  the  existing  state  of  the 
facts.  The  enemy  had  gone  to  Union,  overcome  the  guard  stationed 
there,  and  had  burned  the  railroad  bridge  and  a  county  bridge  near 
by;  had  marched  away  to  the  AVatauga  bridge,  ten  miles  further  off", 
and  had  destroyed  that  structure,  aho  before  nightfill ;  and,  when 
last  seen  were  gping  west  in  the  (Ju'cction  of  the  railway.  It  was- 
not  known  where  he  was  then  or  what  he  intended  to  do.  Pickets 
had  been  thrown  out  in  cv?ry  direction  from  Bristol  before  night, 
and  one  company  was  then  on  picket  duty,  ten  miles  from  J^ristol,  at 
Union.  I  could  learn  no  more,  for  they  knew  no  more.  1  could  add 
nothing  to  the  arrangement  they  had  made  for  the  night,  for  t]\ey 
seemed  complete  and  Avcre  correct;  nothing  had  been  overlooked. 
Before  I  elept,  I  ordered  a  courier  to  be  sent  to  Major  Johnson's 
camp,  near  Kingsport,  Tennessee,  with,  an  order  to  break  up  that  . 
camp  instantly,  and  for  that  force,  with  the  baggage  and  prisoners, 
to  take  the  Reedy  Creek  Church  road  to  Abingdon,  and  to  make  good 
their  junction  with  Clay's  camp  at  the  Three  Springs  as  soon  as  it 
could  be  done.  I  impressed  on  Major  Johnson  the  importance  of 
speed.  I  then  thought  it  probable  the  enemy,  hearing  of  that  camp, 
which  in  his  entry  he  had  passed,  might  go  from  Carter's  depot  to 
destroy  it,  release  the  prisoners  my  men  had  taken,  and  make  my 
people  prisoners,  besides  destroying*our  arms  and  public  property. 
These  duties  being  all  di.chargcd,  I  retired  to  rest  some  time  after 
midnight.  I  mention  the  fact  of  my  retiring  because  that  also  has 
been  made  a  subject  of  impertinent  criticism  upon  my  conduct  by 
persons  who,  I  suppose,  would  have  had  me  talk  the  rest  of  the  night 
over  what  had  been  done  and  what  should  be  done  on  the  morrow, 
without  either  they  or  1  knowing  that  the  enemy  was  then  in  thirty 
miles  of  us,. or  that  he  would  ever  be  seen  again.*  The  train  from 
VVytheville  brought  the  ten  pieces  of  artillery  that  night  to  Bristol, 
but  the  horses  had  not  arrived  with  which  to  manage  them.  Being 
a  stranger  to  the  country  in  which  I  might  at  any  moment  be  called 
upon  to  "act,  the  first  thing  to  wliich  my  attention  was  directed  in  the 
morning  was  to  obtain  a  room  at  Bristol,  where  I  might  see  and  con- 
verse with  gentlemen  with  some  degree  of  privacy.  In  this  1  failed, 
but  after  so  long  a  time  1  secured  a  room  in  the  hotel,  and  soon  was 
introduced  by  Colonel  James  Preston  to  four  gentlemen,  who,  he 
he  said,  could  give  me  all  the  information  I  required  about  the  roads. 
and  water  courses  in  that  section.  These  were  Colonel  McClelland, 
Major  Dunn,  McBlair,  and  Mr.  Sullivan  of  Jonesborough.  1  very 
soon  explained  to  tliese  gentlemen  what  aid  they  could  furnish  me, 
and  Major  Dunn  and  McBlair  retired,  p;'omising  to  make  mo  a  paper 
sketch  of  the  country  around  Bristol,  though  they  said  they  were  not 
acciistomed  to  the  art  of  sketching.  I  was  muoh  obliged,  and  then 
Colonel  McClelland  agreed  to  ride  to  Blountville  with, a  mounted 
company,  and  observe  for  me  a  road  which  was  said  to  lead  from  a 
point  lower  down  the  Holston  than  Union  in  the  direction  of  Kings- 


,  171  . 

port.  .  If  the  enemy  intended  to  retire  by  the  route  he  came  it  was 
considered  prob.ble  he  might  cross  the  country  by  that  road.  Colo- 
nel McClelland  accompanied  Captain  Baldwin,  a  partisan  ranger 
whom  I  found '  at  Bristol  with  some  of  his  men,  to  discharge  this 
duty.  I  was  soon  left  alone,  Mr.  Sullivan  deferring  to  those  who  had 
undertaken  to  furnish  me  with  the  topography  I  needed.  The  loco- 
inotive,  with  a  car  attached,  started  after  breakfast  down  to  the  point 
where  one  of  Clay's  companies  was  on  picket.  I  received  the  follow- 
ing dispatch,  the  first  of  that  daj,  I  thi^nk,  about  twelve  o'clock  : 

Lieutenant  Hammond,  of  Clay's  command,  reports  Federal  camp 
three  miles  west  of  Union  last  night,  and  still  there  at  eleven  to-day. 
Will  move  towards  Blountville  and  for  Kentucky.  Federal  scouts  in 
Union  this  morning. 

E.   IIam.mond,  Littutcriuiit. 

I  inferred  from  this  report  that  Mr.  Hammond  was  reporting  what 
.he  had  heard  at  Union  as  coming  from  the  Federal  scouts  who  were 
in  Union. that  morning,  as  he  could  not  otherwise  have  an  idea  where 
the  enemy,  who  was. in  camp  at  eleven,  A.  M.,  intended  to  march, 
and  this  information  was  not  deemed  very  satisfactory  as  a  basis  for 
my  movements.  The  next  information  I  received  was  about  two 
o'clock  from  Captain  Baldwin,  p,t  Blountville.  As  he  addrtssed  mo 
four  during  the  evening,  I  beg  to  submit  them  here  in  order  :  ^ 

Blountville,  December  31,   1862. 
Brigadier  General  Marshall  : 

The  Yankees  are  crossing  the  Blountville  ro.id,  en  route  for  Kings- 
port  tind  Estillville,  and  may  be  intercepted  by  way  of  the  Beedy 
Creek  road.     In  haste. 

W.   W.  Baldwin,  commanding   Cavalry. 

Appended  to  the  foregoing  was  the  following  from  one  of  Major 
Johnson's  captains  :  • 

I  will  get  in  front  of  them  and  check  them,  until  your  men  can  get 
upon  their  rear, 

W    T.  Williams. 

Blountville,  received  2:30. 
The  abolitionists  are,  a  portion  of  them,  m  camp  nt  Hull's,  four 
miles  south  of  this  place.  My  company  has  gone  on  the  Kingsport 
road  for  further  discoveries.  They  camp  at  Hull's,  on  the  Jonesbo- 
rough  road.  Let  me  know  if  you  have  any  force  moving  on  the 
Reedy  creek  road. 

Respectfully, 

W.  W.  Baldwin,  Captain,  etc. 

[third  dispatch.]  ' 

About  four  o'clock. 
General  Marshall  : 

Within  ^ou  find  the  report  of  one  of  my  captains.  We  are  press- 
ing them.  •  For  God's  sake  send  all  your  force  direct  to  Kingsport. 

W.  W.  Baldwin. 


172  • 

Inside  was  the  following  : 
Major  Baldwin, 

Sir  :  Wicy  have  been  crossing  the  ridge  by  Sheaver's,  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Kingsport. 

W.  G.  Glenn. 
2s.  B. — The  supposition  is  they  are  about   two  thousand  strong,  aa 
they  have  been  passing  for  two  hours. 

W.  G.  G. 

[fourtji  dispatch.] 

Quarter  blfoue  seven,  P.  M. 
General  H   Marshall, 

After  reconnoitering  the  country  around  Blountsville,  I  ain  fully 
convinced  that  a  largo  portion  of  the  Yankee  force  is  7iow  in  camp  at 
RulPs,  four  miles  southwest  of  Blountvillo.  Twelve  to  fifteen  hun- 
dred are  now  perhaps  in  Kingsport,  and  it  is  generally  believed,  from 
their  own  statements  along  the  way,  that  this  advance  party  is- en 
route  for  Rogersville,  in  view  of  plundering  the  bank  at  that  place. 
I  yet  think  v,e  can  intercept  this  force  if  your  force  can  reach  Kings- 
port  by  midnight. 

Respectfully, 

W.  W.  Baldwin. 
At  J<Jin  L.  Sheaver's,  Eden  Ridge,  December  31,  1802. 
P.  S. — The  force  at  Hull's  m.ay  be  moving,  if  so,  they  must  pass 
this  point.    .  I  will  watch  their   movements,  and   try   to   keep  you  ad- 
vised. 

W.  W.  B. 

About  the  same  time  I  received  this  last  despatch,  near  eight  P. 
M.,  I  also  received  the  following  from  Captain  Bedford,  of  Clay's 
command,  who  had  left  Bristol  about  noon,  to  relieve  Lieutenant 
Hammond  at  Union.  He  had  passed  directly  from  Union  to  Blount- 
ville,  and  as  he  had  neither  seen  or  heard  of  the  camp  at  Hull's  I 
concluded  that  Captain  Baldwin  had  made  a  mistake,  possibly, 
as  to  its  existence,  and  I  issued  to  Colonel  Giltner  immediately  the 
following  order: 

December  3!— 8  P.  M. 

Press  on  to  Blouutville  with  speed.  When  arrived  there  direct 
your  movements  by  the  repot  ts  which  Baldwin  makes.  My  chief  aim 
is  to  cut  the  enemy  off  from  Moccasin  gap.  But  remanier  your  func- 
tion is  only  to  harass  him  until  my  infantry  can  catch  up. 

H.  Marshall,  Brigadier  General. 

I  will  observe  that  from  the  time  at  which  Captain  Bald- 
win made  his  first  report,  I  was  much  at  a^  loss  how  to  understand  the 
movements  of  the  enemy  by  the  light  ot  these  reports.  The  enemy's 
crossing  the  Blountville  road  :  I  infer  from  that,  he  was  making  for 
Moccasin  gap.  Had  he  designed  going  to  Kingsport  he  would 
have  taken  the  road  to  Kingsport.  He  would  only  cross  the  Blount- 
yille  road,  (coming  from  Union,  if  he  intended  togo.to  Moccasin  gap,) 


173 

to  get  upon  the  Reedy  creek  road  and  to  take  that  by  which  he  couhl 
go  either  to  the  one  place  or  to  the  other.  Next  came  the  declaration 
that  he  was  in  camp  on  the  Jonesborough  road  to  Blountville.  If  so^ 
he  was  as  near  Bristol  as  he  would  beat  Blountville,  and  could  approach 
it  directly  by  the  Beaver  creek  road.  If  that  was  true,  it  would  not 
do  for  me  to  attempt  pursuit  and  leave  Bristol  uncovered,  since  I  was 
ordered  to  look  to  its  defence.  When  the  third  dispatch  came,  announc- 
ing that  the  enemy  had  been  crossing  the  ridge  two  hours,  I  could  not 
tell  whether  the  force  at  Hulls  had  gone  ;  nor  could  I  tell  that  he  meant 
to  raike  for  Kingsport,  as  the  road  that  he  was  said  to.be  taking  was 
the  very  nighest  cut  he  could  take  to  Mo\:casin  gap.  When  the  oflG- 
cer  reported  him  still  in  camp  at  Hull's  at  a  quarter  before  seven,  I 
should  have  hesitated  to  uncover  Bristol  had  I  not  received  Captain 
Bedford's  dispatch.  I  had  determined,  early  in  the  day,  that  if  in 
fact  the  enemy  was  intending  to  retreat,  I  would  try  to  intercept  him, 
and.,  with  the  view  to  a  pursuit,  ordered  rations  for  four  days 
to  be  cooked,  that  our  movement  ra'ght  commence  at  nightfall.  Con- 
sidering all  I  had  heard  of  the  sentiment  of  the  population  of  East 
Tennessee,  and  the  limited  experience  I  had  had,  I  was  not  disposed 
to  let  my  adversary  have  access  to  information  as  to  my  movemen:s.  If 
he  had  moved  arid  cartiptd again ,  as  is  reported  in  Capt.  Baldwin's  second 
dispatch,  he  would  be  there  that  night,  and  by  going  to  Blountville 
under  cover  of  the  night,  I  shoul<l  gain  his  rear.  I  made  no  order 
to  mov«  or  to  cook  rations  until  my  cavalry  arrived,  (after  two  P.  M.) 
until  I  was  satisfied  that  tie  probability  was  strong  that  he  had  not 
camped  at  HuH's,  or  had  left  there  I  could  not  give  m a rcli in g  or- 
ders to  the  cavalry,  though  I  had  jilroady  started  the  infantry  and  one 
section  of  arUllery,  and  to  move  this  I  had  to  press  hort^es  that  even- 
ing, as  mine  had  not  arrived  from  Wytheville.  I  waited  after  my  force 
was  in  motion,  for  several  reasons — First,  to  receive  the  troops  prom- 
ised by  General  Jones,  and  to  know  certainly  whether  they  arrived. 
Second,  because  Captain  Jeffries'  horses  came  in  after  nightfall  from 
a  day's  journey,  and  I  wanted  them  to  rest  a  little  before  they  were 
put  again  on  the  road  to  draw  the  guns  I  desired  to  carry  with  me. 
Third,  because  a  section  of  artillery,  under  that  officer,  which  I  or- 
dered him  to  prepare  and  move,  would  have  no  other  escort  to  Blount- 
ville than  myself,  and  staff,  and  signal  corps,  who  were  with  me. 
Your  correspondent  intimates  that  he  knows,  but  will  not  tell,  the  rea- 
son why  I  delayed  my  departure  until  one  A.  M.,  of  the  1st  January. 
I  was  in  Blountville  about  the  hour  he  fixed  for  my  departure  from 
Bristol,  and  his  pretended  concealment  of  knowledge,*I  assure  you,  but 
discloses  to  my  sense,  the  turpitude  of  his  motive  in  representing  as 
existing,  something  he  affects  to  desire  to  conceal.  The  reasons  for 
my  delay  are  no^y  plainly  disclosed,  and  that  delay  was  not  longer 
than  I  thought  my  business  required,  of  which  I  was  the  sole  judge. 
If  it  was  the  intention  of  IVLijor  Dunn  to  intimate  that  I  was  intoxi- 
cated, my  statement  is  that  the  assertion  can  be  proved  false,  not  only 
of  that  day  and  time,  but  of  every  other  day  and  time  since  I  held 
your  commiesion,  for  there  is  not  a  more  temperate  man  in  the  South- 
ern Confederacy  than  I  am,  and  have  always  been.     In  this  connec- 


174  • 

tion  l(Jt  me  remark  that  tlie  same  writer  comments  upon  what  he  calls 
my."  imbecility."  A  long  personal  acquaintance,  both  with  the  Pre- 
sident and  your5?lf,  will  enable  you  to  pronounce  judgment  upon  such 
a  charge  with  more  propriety  than  I  can. 

I  enclose  you  Major  Dunn's  m:ip.  the  result  of  several  hours'  labor, 
which  you  will  perceive  places  all  the  points  of  the  compass  wrong,  put8 
Abingdon  west  of  Bristol,  and  in  gi  word  is  such  a  production  that  no 
art  could  explain  it.  It  is  possible  I  may  have  been  inattentive  to 
any  explanation  of  a  diagram  so  wrong  as  it  was,  though  I  have  no 
recollection  of  it,  as  it  was  my  purpose,  even  if  annoyed,  to  remain 
polite,  and  lam  not  in  the.  habit  conducting  mvself  otherwise.  I 
leave  it  to  the  President  to  judge,  ho  vever,  if  my  activity  in  the  in- 
telligent discharge  of  my  duty  slackened.  Instead  of  the  fifteen 
hundred  efficient  men,  which  it  is  asserted,  were  at  my  disposal,  you 
perceive  that  up  to  half-past  two,  P.  M.,  on  the  3 1st,  1  had  as  follows  : 

Sixty-fourth  Virginia  infantry,          -          -  .       -  373 

Fifth  Kentucky, -         310 

683 

Clay's  mounted  rifles,       -  -  -          -         -  251) 

Johnson's     "         '«  ^         .         .         .         -         mo 

• 

350 

Making  a  total  about  equal  to  Colonel  Slemp's  estimate  of  nine 
hundred,  though  the  company  on  picket  should  be  subtracted*  as  it 
was  ten  miles  from  Bristol.  After  two  and  a  half,  P.  M.,  of  the 
31st,  a<id  Giltner,  and  we  have  a  total  of  tome  fourteen  hundred  or 
fifteen  hundred  o(  all  arms. 

1  submit,  respectfully,  that  in  the  state  of  my  information,  it  was 
my  duty  not  to  leave  Bristol  scou'-r  than  1  did,  and  it  was  proper, 
after  a  Vide  of  thirty-seven  miles  through  mud  and  .rain,  to  let  my 
cavalry  horses  feed  before  i  commenced  a  pursuit.  How  effective 
that  cavalry  wa^,  i  leave  you  to  judge  upon  the  plain  statement  of 
Colonel  Giltner,  that  his  men  were  in  the  saddle  the  night  of  the 
30th  and  3i8t,  and  in  that  time  never  ate,  (forty  hours,)  and  traversed 
sixty  si.v  miles  over  deep  bad  roads  in  the  winter,  in  a  mountain  land. 
When  I  was  at  Bristol,  before  starting  on  the  night  of  the  3l8t,  I 
did  not  know•^vhat  route  the  enemy  would  take. 

Major  Witchcr  had  arrived  in  person,  but  not  his  battalion.  I 
directed  him  to  return  that  night  to  Little  Moccassin  gap,  and  lead 
his  battalion  to  the  defile  at  the  Hanging  Rock,  three  miles  from 
Osborne's  ford,  so  that  if  the  enemy  tried  to  turn  to  the  right  at-Es- 
tillville,  and  to  go  by  the  ford  over  to  the  Pond  gap  road,  he  might 
check  him.  I  did  not  know  I  could  intercept  him  before  he  would 
reach  that  point.  If  the  enemy  did  not  approach  the  ford  next  morn- 
ing, Major  Witcher  was  to  lead  his  battalion  down  the  north  side  of" 
Clinch  river  and  join  me.  At  the  same  time  I  started  a  reliable  mes- 
senger to  Kentucky  with  orders  to  Colonel  Ben  Caudrill,  at  Whites- 


175 

burg,  to  man  Pond  gap,  Stone  gap  and  all  the  .other  mountain  gaps 
along  his  front,  and  to  resist  the  egress  of  the  enemy,  and  to  say  that 
I  would  be  near  and  approaching. 

After  crossing  Sheaver's  bridge  the  enemy  kept  on  to  Kingsport. 
He  could  have  moved  to  the  right  at  several  places  after  thut,  and 
have  passed  through  Moccasin  gap.  When  I  was  in  Blountville 
every  body  there  supposes!  of  course  he  had  gone  to  Moccasin  gap, 
and  lamented  our  inability  to  reach  the  gap  before  him.  I  knew  no 
reason  for  him  to  go  by  Kingsport.  If  he  meant  to  go  out  at  the 
Moccasin  gap,  it  was  onl}^  a  detour  of  about  eight  miles  to  go  by 
Kingsport,  and  then  to  return  into  the  gap,  for  tliey  are  only  seven 
miles  apart. 

Ilis  only  motive  to  go  by  Kingsport,  that  I  could  imagine,  would 
be  to  strike  at  Major  Johnson's  camp,  a.nd  to  release  some  prisoners 
taken  by  my  men  the  day  before'.  I  took  the.  chance  if  he  had  made 
this  detour,  of  reaching  Mocciisin  gap  in  advance  of  him.  I  occupied 
ii  by  four,  A.  M.,  on  the  1st  January,  ile  had  passed  Kingsport 
that  night,  and  Lad  taken  down  the  south  side  of  the  Clinch  range. 
Colonel  Giltner  is  mistaken  as  to  the  hour  of  my  arrival  at  Estillvillo 
though  possibly  not  as  to  the  time  when  he  first  saw  me  there'.  I  was 
at  Estillville  at  dinner  time,  and  rode  into  town  with  his  scout  re- 
turning from  Kingsport,  from  whom  I  learned  the  direction  the  enemy 
had  taken. 

Clay  and  Johnson  had  moved  when  I  reached  there,  so  I  infer  the 
young  officer  had  reported,  and  I  came  in  with  a  squad  from  his  party 
which  had  lagged  behind.  I  sent  word  for  my  mounted  men  to  halt 
until  the  rear  came  up,  because  there  were  bridle  gaps  over  the  moun- 
tains, a  few  miles  from  Esiillville,  and  the  enemy  might  have  passed 
over  those,  and  would  turn  successfully  upon  three  hundred  men 
or  three  hundred  and  fifty,  and  whip  theia  if  beyond  supporting  dis- 
tance from ^ the  remainder  of  my  force.  Eesides,  I  had  given  no 
authority  to  Colonel  Giltner  to  direct  the  movements  of  the  corps  he 
had  ordered  to  march. 

Presuming  at  Estillville  the  enemy  wouM  cross  the  Clinch  range 
below  me,  anil  might  try  to  go  out  on  the  Lee  county  border  some 
where,  I  at  once  despatched  Lieutenant  Colonel  Pridemore,  a  native 
of  Scott  county,  to  the  front  with  directions  to  rouse  the  country  peo- 
ple, and  to  despatch  a  courier  from  Jonesville  to  Cumberland  gap,  so 
as  to -let  the  force  there  know  the  situation,  and  to  request  their  co- 
operation, and  to  have  word  sent  forward  to  block  up  the  mountain 
passes.  I  urged  on  him  to  go  to  Jonesville  that,  night  and  dispatch 
the  courier  instantly  thence  to  Cumberland  gap.  I  pressed  on  now 
to  the  Clinch  river  at  Spier's  ferry,  the  point  the  enemy  had  crossed 
coming  in,  and  finding  my  cavalry  in  bivouac,  ordered  the  whole  for- 
ward. I  passed  over  two  roads,  one  leading  up  the  Clinch  from 
Kyle's  ford,  (some  twenty-fiVe  miles  below,)  the  other  from  Sneads- 
ville.  I  thought  the  enemy  might  double  and  pass  out  behind  me, 
for  now  I  did  not  know  where  he  was,  sav§  that  I  was  on  one  side  of 
a  mountain  range  and  he  on  the  other. 

Before  midnight  I  met   Colonel  Pridemore   returning.     He  had 


176 

advanced  ap  far  as  Pattonsville.  and  there  learned  that  the  n^ws  I 
•wiehcjl  to  convey  had  gone  already,  that  the  movement  of  the  enemy 
on  the  south  side  was  known,  and  that  the  country  people  (it  was 
told  him  at  Pattonsville)  had  that  day  felled  trees  across  the  road, 
on  the  north  side  of  Powell's  mountain,  so  aa  to  obstruct  passage  in 
the  direction  of  Jonesvillo — that  I  was  blockaded  as  well  as  the  enemy. 
I  then  determined  to  halt  until  daylight.  It  was  intensely  cold  ;  'and 
my  men  were  very  much  exhausted,  some  of  them  being  in  the  saddle 
now  for  the  third  night.  1  waited  until  light.  Before  daylight, 
scouts  came  to  me  with  the  information  that  the  enemy  had  crossed 
the  Clinch  mountains,  and  the  river  at  War  gap,  and  were  camped,  at 
nine,  P.  M. ,  fifteen  miles  below  Spier's  forr}'.  My  conclusion  was  ' 
then  that  he  would  rest,  also,  until  day  ;  and  that  his  course  would 
not  before  be  determined.  It  was  quite  plain  he  was  at  a  centre, 
to  travel  the  radius,  and  I  the  arc  of  a  circle  ;  that  he  had 
half  a  dozen  •ways  to  .go  out,  and  that  if  1  wa'^  not  very  watchful,  I 
should  not  intercept  him.  I  ordered  my  infantry  and  artillery  for- 
ward. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2d  January,  I  moved  to  Pattonsville,  where 
another  road,  by  which  he  could  pass  out,  crossed  my  path  ;  and  there  I 
learned  that  four  hundred  infantry  and  two  companies  of  cavalry,  from 
Cumberland  Gap,  had  taken  position  at  Joncsville,  and  that  the  forces 
from  that  quarter  were  co-operating  to  prevent  his  egress.  I  thought 
the  prize  was  nearly  sure  I  detached  Captain  Marshall's  cavalry 
company,  with  orders  to  move  down  the  north  fork  of  the  Clinch,  as 
low  as  Blackwater.  Thence,  if  the  enemy  had  gone  into  Hunter's 
gap,  to  harass  his  rear,  and  so  on  to  Jonesville.  I  sent  forward 
Lieutenant  Gibson,  with  ten  men,  to  Jonesville,  (now  twenty  miles,) 
to  inform  the  force  there  of  my  approach,  and  to  procure  rations  fgr 
my  men,  if  possible.  Giltner's  regiment  had  not  eaten  a  morsel  since 
the  day  before,  at  two,  P  M.  The  north  side  of  Powell's  mountain 
was  partially  obstructed  by  a  few  trees  cut  across  the  road,  but  more 
BO  from  being  very  hard  frozen,  and  becoming  sleek  under  the  horses' 
feet.  We  led  down  it,  passed  on;  and  at  eight  miles  from  Jonesville, 
I  received  a  despatch  from  Lieutenant  Gibson,  that  there  was  heavy 
and  continued  firing  in  the  direction  of  Hunter's  gap,  on  the  direct 
road  from  Kogersville  to  Jonesville,  and  some  four  or  five  miles  south 
of  Jonesvillo.  I  ordered  my  forces  forward  to  Jonesville  as  rapidly 
as  possible,  all  at  a  brisk  trot,  and  many  in  a  gallop.  Clay  and 
Johnson  were  two  miles  ahead  of  Giltner.  I  pressed  on  between 
them. 

At  about  three  miles  from  town,  another  dispatch  from  Lieutenant 
Gibson,  written  at  one  mile  from  town,  announced  the  continuance 
of  the  firing,  and  that  artillery  was  heard.  1  knew  the  enemy 
had  none,  and  was  certain  that  it  had  come  up  from  Cumberland 
Gap;  and  that  a  brave  band  from  that  garrison  (which  was  only 
thirty-three  miles  off)  were  gallantly  resisting  the  superior  force  of 
our  enemy.  I  congratulated  myself  that  our  toil  would  be  crowned 
with  success  at  last,  and  the  insolence  of  our  foe  would  be  punished. 
At  one  mile  from  town  I  met  Lieutenant  Gibson,  with  the  information 


177 

that  the  enemy  fiarl  po^ssession  of  Jonesville,  and  had  a  good  nnmbsr 
of  prisoners  with  them      I   ai^ked  for  the  forc3  yhich    had  eng.iged 
them,  what,  also,  of   the  artillery,  where  the  Cutnberland    Gip  raon 
had  gone  to,  but  could   get  no  satisfactory   rosponso.     I  ordered  my 
attack  on   the   town    to  open   at  once,  for   it  w;is  now   near  sundown. 
My  rifles  dismounted,  went  into  action,  deployed  on  a  hill  ea^t  of  the 
village,  but  within  rifle  range  of  t!ie  court-house.     Giltuer  came  up, 
and  I  deployed  part  of  his  force  )n  the  south  side  of  the  village,  at 
about  oiie  hundred  yards  from  the  main  street.     The  enemy  was  now 
plainly  visible  on  the  hill  by  the  academy,  on  the  northwest  side  of  the 
village,  formed  in  line,  some  four  hundred  strong.      Villagers  declared 
he  was  flanking  mc  on   both  sides;  and  I  made  some  detachments  to 
ascertain  the  fulsity  of  their  apprehensions.      I  ordered  both  my  lines 
forward;    hoard   the   enemy's  bugle   call  to  the  saddle ;   and  my  men, 
nnder  Giltner,  followed  to. the  llarlan  road.     The  enemy  was  mounted  ; 
our  horses  were  outside  the  village,  some  of  them  nearly  a  mile.      The 
distance  to  be  traversed  to  the  Gyp  was  nearly  four  miles.      I  learned 
that  the    front  of  the  enemy  had  passed    the  village  an  hour  or  more 
when  he  arrived  and  commenced  firing.     It  was  now  night,  bur.  moonlit 
partially.     Beyond  the  town  the  clearing-*  are  small,  the  timber  heavy, 
the    undergrowth    thick,  of   black  jack,  scrubby  oik    and    chescnut  ; 
ground  broken,  two  or  three  heavy  ridges  to  be  crossed,  and  narr6w 
vales.     I  had  never  seen  it ;  deployment  would   be  impracticable  at 
night,  and  the  situation  most  inviting  for  a'mbuscades.     The  enemy 
would  in    an  hour  be  out  of  Virginia.      He  had  the  position  on  mo, 
and  I  desisted  from  further  pursuit,  as  I  am  sure  I  should  have  done, 
and  with  my  present  knowledge  of  the  country,  should,  under   the 
same  circumstances,  do  again.      As  I  was  returning  from  •Jonesville, 
I  received  a  dispatch  from   Major  General  Jt.nes,  and  another  from 
Lieutenant  General  E.  Kirby  Smith,  asking  me  to  make  pursuit — the 
latter   dated   at  Kncxville,  on  the  day  after    ^le  enemy  passed  into 
Kentucky. 

Thus  I  have,  at  great  length,  submitted  all  I  have  to  represent 
touching  the  raid  of  the  enemy  into 'our  country.  I  think,  upon  a 
review  of  my  action,  the  President  will  find  that  if  success  in  over- 
taking and  punishing  the  enemy  was  not  achieved,  it  was  not  for  the 
want  of  effort  upon  my  part  or  of  the  troops  I  command.  My  in- 
fantry marched  seventy  miles  "in  some  sixty  hours,  over  bad  roads; 
and  mountains  and  rivers;  and  my  cavalry  pressed, night  and  day,  on 
the  track  of  the  foe,  a>=,  I  think,  has  not  frequently  been  done  before 
in  the  war.  I  have  felt  that  it  was  better  to  bear  in  silence  the  shafts 
of  impotent  and  ill-natured  criticisms,  when  basing  its  attacks  on 
false  premises,  than  .to  make  our  combinations,  forces,  and  view3 
known  to  a  vigilant  enemy,  by  dissertations  and  defences  b'ifore  the 
tribunal  of  the  press,  which  has  no  jurisdiction  over  the  subject  mat- 
ter. When  you  call  me  forward,  I  make  my  report,  abstaining  from 
all  that  my  feeling  of  indignation  might  dictate  to  me  to  say,  but 
which"  your  dignity  and  my  own  position  alike  forbid.  Your  own  ex- 
amination will  find  all  the  data  here  on  which  to  form  a  correct 
opinion.  If  the  enemy  was  jaded,  it  was  before  he  rested,  after  bis 
12 


178 


incendiary  effort.     His  travel  daily,  after  he  left  Virginia,  proves  he 
had  full  capacity  to  move  when  desiring  to  do  so. 
Resnectfull  V 

H.  MARSHALL,  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  GILTNER. 

Headquarters  Fourth  Regiment  Kentucky  Cavalri',  ^ 

Camp  Richardson,  Lee  county,   Va.,  v 

January  26,   1863.  ) 

Brigadier  General  H.  Marsilvll, 

Jonesville,    Virginia  : 

General:  On  the  morning  of  the  30th  of  December,  1862,  about" 
three  o'clock,  a  dispatch  from  you  was  received  at  my  camp,  near 
Lebanon,  Russell  county,  Virginia,  informing  me  that  a  force  of  the 
enemy  were  reported  in  the  neighborhood  of  Scott  court-house,  andi 
ordering  me  to  throw  out  a  picket  to  the  old  Russell  court-house  to 
guard  the  road  from  that  place  to  Osborne's  ford,  and  also,  a  picket  to 
Hansonsville,  guarding  the  roads  from  that  point  to  Saltville,  via 
Poor  valley  and  via  Lebanon.  Your  order  was  promptly  obeyed,  a 
strong  picket  being  sent  to  each  of  the  above-named  places.  At  eleven 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  of  the  same  day,  I  received  an  order  from  you  to 
repair  with  my  regiment  to  Bristol  immediately,  ^n  a  very  short 
time  my  men  were  in  the  saddle  and  leaving  the  camp,  with  the  dis- 
mounted and  otherwise  disabled  men,  under  command  of  Captain 
Campbell.  I  started  for  Bristol,  via  Abingdon,  with  five  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  and  accompanied  by  three  wagons — two  containing: 
cooking  utensils,  the  other  ammunition.  The  road  via  Abingdon  was 
not  the  shortest  to  Bristol,  but  I  was  compelled  to  go  to  Abingdon  to 
draw  about  one  hundred  guns,  which  were  needed  ;  also,  ammunition, 
as  that  which  I  had  was  not  suitable  for  many  of  the  guns  in  the 
command.  The  exceedingly  rough  and  heavy  condition  of  the  roada 
and  the  darkness,  the  night  being  cloudy  and  rainy,  rendered  the 
march  a  most  arduous  one,  yet  we  arrived  in  Abingdon,  a  distance  of 
twenty  miles  from  my  camp,  before  daylight.  Proceeding  directly  to 
the  railroad  depot,  I  procured  the  needed  ordnance  stores  and  suffi- 
cient forage  to  feed  my  horses.  Moving  to  the  outskirts  of  the  town,. 
I  fed  my  horses  in  the  road,  and  after  a  halt  of  three-quarters  of  an 
hour,  I  pushed  on  to  Bristol,  where  I  arrived  and  reported  to  you 
about  half-past  two  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  Slst  of  December,  1862.  At. 
eight  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  received  the  following  order: 

December  31,  8,  P.  M. 

Colonel  Giltner: 

Press  on  with  speed  to  Blountville.     When  arrived  there  direct; 
your  movements  by  the  reports  which  Baldwin  makes.     My  chief  aimi 
is  to  cut  the  enemy  off  from  Moccasin  gap.     But  remember  your 
function  is  only  to  har^^s  him  until  my  infantry  can  catch  up. 

H.  Marshall,  Brigadier  General* 

In  obedience  to  the  above  order  I  proceeded  with  speed  to  Blount- 
ville, arriving  there  at  ten,  P.  M.     From  information  there  received,. 


ISO 

I  determined  to  push  on  to  Moccasin  gap,  wliich  pornt  I  rcacIicJ  at 
four,  A.  M.,  1st  of  January,  1S63,  and  went  into  camp,  having 
inarched  since  eight,  P.  M.,  the  evening  before,  a  distance  of  twenty- 
nine  miles.  At  daylight  I  sent  a  scout  of  twenty  men,  under  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  B.  F.  Duncan,  in  the  direction  of  Kingsport, 
with  orders  to  gain  accurate  informatypn  as  to  the  enemy's  posicion 
and  movements,  and  to  report  to  me  as  speedily  as  possible.  At  the 
same  time  I  gave  orders  to  Captains  Scott  and  Duncan  to  proceed 
with  their  squadrons  to  Estellvillc  and  procure  and  have  cooked 
rations  for  the  regiment.  Up  to  that  time  my  men  had  had  nothing 
to  eat  since  leaving  camp  at  Lebanon,  had  ridden  a  distance  of  sixty 
miles  through  the  rain  and  mud,  without  rest,  having  been  in  the 
saddle  the  whole  of  both  nights  since  starting,  aijd  were  conpcquently 
greatly  in  need  of  food  and  sleep.  At  twelve  o'clock,  M  ,  Lieuten- 
ant Duncan  returned  and  reported  to  me  at  Estellville  that  the  enemy 
bad  camped  the  night  before  in  the  Ilolston  valley,  seven  miles  from 
JSlingsport,  and  had  moved  at  daylight  in  the  direction  of  War  gap 
My  own  men  not  having  piocured  anything  to  eat  at  this  time,  I 
ordered  Lieutenant  Colonel  Clay,  with  his  own  and  Major  Johnson's 
battalion,  (they  both  having  cooked  rations  for  four  days,)  to  War 
gap,  with  instructions  to  occupy  the  gap  should  he  gain  that  poiittia 
advance  of  the  enemy,  but  if  he  should  fall  in  his  rear,  to  harass  him 
«ntil  I  could  reinforce  him  with  my  regment. 

About  three,  P.  M.^  you  arrived  at  Estillville.  I  reported  to  you 
the  information  I  had  received  of  the  movements  of  the  enemy  and 
the  orders  I  had  givtn  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Clay.  You  sent  a  cou- 
rier to  Colonel  Clay,  ordering  him  to  halt  and  await  further  orders. 
About  sunset,  both  men  and  horses  having  been  fed,  I  moved  on  from 
Estillville,  with  orders  from  you  to  halt  at  Spier's  ferry,  eleven 
miles  distant  and  await  orders. 

Passing  Colonel  Clay,  bivouacked  on  the  road  a  mile  from  the 
ferry,  I  crossed  the  river  and  halted.  In  about  half  an  hour  you 
came  up  and  ordered  the  whok  command  forward.  \Ve  marched 
about  five  miles  to  Pridemore's,  where  we  halted  and  remained  till  sun- 
rise the  next  morning.  Moving  on  to  Pattonsville,  a  distance  of 
about  four  or  five  miles,  we  halted,  fed  our  horses,  and  again  moved 
on  towards  Jonesville  about  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.  When  within  about 
seven  miles  of  the  latter  place,  being  a  mile  or  two  in  rear  of  the 
other  battalion,  1  received  a  message  from  yourself  to  move  on  to 
Jonesville  with  rapidity.  I  pushed  on  at  a  brisk  trot  till  I  reached 
the  hor-ses  of  Colonel  Clay's  and  Major  Johnson's  commands,  a  short 
distance  from  the  town,  the  men  having  dismounted  for  action.  Pass- 
ing these  horses,  I  halted,  dismounted  my  men,  and  ordered  the  guns 
to  be  loaded.  I  then  received  an  order  from  you  to  take  the  town. 
Throwing  out  a  company  as  skirmishers,  I  iadvanced  upon  the  town 
and  finding  no  enemy  there,  and  being  told  by  the  citizens  that  he  had 
foymed  in  line  at  or  near  the  academy  beyfcid  town,  I  moved  on 
through  the  town  and  past  the  academy  until  my  line  of  skirmishers 
had  intersected  the  Harlan  road.  It  being  then  after  dark,  we  saw 
no  enemy,   though   they  were  heard  by  the   skirmishers   as   they 


181 

passed  out  of  the  old  field  beyond  the  academy.  Receiving  informa- 
tion from  tlie  officer  commanding  the  skirmishers  that  the  enemy  had 
taken  the  road  and  were  certainly  gone,  I  called  in  the  skirmishers, 
threw  out  a  picket  upon  the  road  the  enemy  bad  taken,  and  returned 
with  my  regiment  to  the  town,  when  I  was  ordered  into  camp  for  the 
night  at  the. academy.  Thd  distance  from  my  camp  near  Lel3anon  to 
Jonesville,  by  the  route  we  marched,  is  one  hundred  and  five  miles,  and 
we  were  from  half-past  eleven,  P.  M.,  of  the  30th  of  December,  till 
four,  P,  M.,  of  the  2d  of  January,  in  going  that  distance. 

H.  L.  GILTNER, 
Coloriel  commanding  fourth  reg't  Ky.  cavalry. 


k 


RErORT  OF  COLONEL  SLEMP. 

JoNESviLLE,  Va.,  January  3(\  1863, 

Brigadier  General  II.  Marshall: 

According  to  your  order,  December  16th,  1862,  my  regiment  was 
moved  near  Bristol,  Tennessee,  and  was  encamped  one  mile  north  of 
that  place. 

On  the  29th,  I  received  your  dispatch  dated  ten  o'clock  and  fifteen 
minutes,  P.  M.,  at  eleven  o'clock  and  thirty  minutes,  P.  M.,  bearing 
information  that  the  Federal  cavalry  were  within  fifteen  miles  of 
Bristol  at  one  o'clock  same  date,  four  thousand  strong,  and  were 
marching  on  th^  place.  I  communicated  at  once  to  Lieutendnt  Col- 
onel Clay,  at  Three  Springs,  four  miles  distant,  according  to  your  in- 
structions, and  ordered  scouts  upon  all  the  roads. 

At  two  o'clock,  A.  M.,  30th,  two  reliable  messengers  came  to 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Clay's  encampment  and  reported  the  enemy  on 
the  Estillville  road,  thirty-five  miles  distant,  at  dusk  the  night  before. 
This  information  reached  me  at  or  near  three  o'clock,  A.  M.  I  rode 
immediately  to  the  telegraph  office  at  Brist6l,  to  communicate  to  you 
the  information.  The  operator  could  not  be  found.  The  battery  and 
all  his  instruments  concealed,  which  delayed  my  information  to  you 
till  near  eight  o'clock,  A.  M. 

No  special  engine  could  be  found,  from  the  fact  that  the  commander 
of  the  post  had  sent  them  all  off  before  my  arrival,  and  could  not 
have  conveyed  you  information  earlier  by  horseback. 

At  half  past  eight,  A.  M.,  I  received  word  from  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Clay,  tiiat  the  enemy  had  turned  in  a  southeast  direction  from  the 
Abingdon  road,  in  the  direction  of  Blountville,  Tennessee,  forks  of 
the  road,  thirteen  miles  distant.  Clay  situated  on  Abingdon  road, 
four  miles  distant.  *  Scouts  had  captured  two  stragglers  near 
forks  of  the  road.  Enemy  reported  at  Blountville  at  ten  o'clock, 
A.  M.-  My  regiment  was  then  three  hundred  and  seventy-three 
strong,  available  men,  and  about  one  hundred  men,  consisting  of  citi- 
zens, and  a  company  of  about  fifty  under  Captain  Troy,  at  the  post ; 
the  latter  with  very  commofi  arms,  and  but  very  little  ammunition. 
.This  composed  my  infantry*  strength.  All  the  cavalry  present  was 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Clay's  battalion,  consisting  of  about  two  hundred 
and  fifty  men  for  duty.  This  made  my  available  force  at  that  time, 
but  little  over  six  hundred  men. 

\Vhen  it  was  observed  that  the  enemy  had  left  the  Abingdon  road, 
and  at  Blountville,  Clay's  force  Avas  brought  upon  the  Blountville 
road,  that  our  whole  force  might  be  united  for  the  defence  of  Bristol, 
it  being  the  point  ordered  to  defend,  and  the  road  by  Blountville 
being  directly  to  Bristol. 

At  eleven,  A.  M.,  the  enemy  was  reported  within  thre6  miles  of 
Bristol;  we  took  a  position  for  the  defence  of  the  town.  At  half  past 
eleven,  A.  M.,  scouts  reported  the  marin  force  gone  by  way  of  Union 
depot,  where  one  of  the  bridges  was  burnt,  and  a  picket  in  force  upon 


183 

the  Blountville  road.  The  enemy  in  all  numbered  about  two  thou- 
sand strong,  partly  armed  -svith  five  shooters.  A  special  train  was 
then  ordered  to  move  my  infantry  to  Union,  where  two  scouts  came 
in  and  reported  the  bridge  burning  at  fifteen  minutes  after  twelve,  P. 
M.,  and  enemy  making  threats  upon  Bristol  from  that  point.  Cavalry 
was  thrown  forward  upon  that  road,  and  an  infantry  picket  upon  a 
special  train  to  advance  as  far  as  possible  without  being  surprised,  or 
taken  to  the  bridge  if  possible.  They  did  advance  as  far  as  the 
bridge,  and  found  it  nearly  burnt  down,  and  the  enemy  moving  in  the 
opposite  direction.  Bridge  fell  in  before  they  left. 

As  our  force  was  too  small  to  divide  against  a  superior  force'  like 
the  enemy,  at  their  approach  I  communicated  through  the  commander 
of  the  post  at  Bristol,  to  the  commander  of  the  post  at  Union,  upon 
the  news  of  the  enemy's  advance,  to  throw  scouts  forward  upon  the 
road  from  Blountville  to  Union,  and  to  be  on  the  alert,  stating  the 
circumstances 

We  received  no  information  from  him  till  late  in  the  evening,  stating 
he  and  his  men,  seventy  available,  were  surrounded  before  morning, 
captured  and  paroled.  My  picket  returned  between  four  and  five,  P. 
M.,  and  reported  ^lajor  Johnson  arrived  with  eighty  men  for  duty, 
mounted.  I  prepared  the  command  to  move  in  the  direction  of 
Blountville,  notwithstanding  it  would  have  been  hazardous  with  my 
inferior  force,  all  not  amounting  to  eight  hundred,  and  two-thirds 
infantry.  But  receiving  information  that  you  were  on  the  road  to 
Bristol  with  reinforcements,  I  awaited  your  arrival,  which  was  between 
eleven  and  twelve,  P.  M.,  being  delayed  by  cars  witli  Colonel  Hawkins' 
regiment  and  some  artillery.  Hawkins'  regiment  not  numbering  over 
three  hundred  for  duty,  but  no  cavalry^. which  left  us  still  in  a  bad 
condition  to  pursue  cavalry.  Colonel  Giltner's  regiment  of  cavalry 
was  on  the  march  for  Bristol,  and  arrived  about  two,  P.  H.,  31st,  to 
my  recollection. 

In  a  short  time  afterwards,  I  received  orders  from  you  to  have  my 
regiment  in  readiness  and  to  march  at  dusk  with  three  days'  rations. 
Accordingly  my  regiment  moved  at  dusk  in  the  directioi;i  of  Blount- 
ville, and  arrived  there  at  one  o'clock,  A.  M.,-  1st  January,  1863,  a 
distance  of  nine  miles. 

Within  an  hour  afterwards  you  arrived  and  gave  orders  to  resume 
the  inarch  to  Moccasin  gap  immediately,  distant  from  Blountville 
peventeen  miles.  At  sunrise  we  were  with  eleven  miles  of  the  gap, 
and  marched  in  quick  time  until  within  about  six  miles  of  the  gap, 
where  we  learned  the  enemy  had  gone  in  the  direction  of  Rogersville, 
Tennessee.  I  then  gave  my  men  a  little  more  time,  and  arrived  at 
the  gap  about  one,  P.  M. 

The  enemy  being  on  the  march  on  the  Rogersville  road,  I  proceeded 
on  the  Estillville  road  without  halting.  There  I  received  orders  to 
march  to  Spier's  ferry,  ten  miles  further,  and  all  other  orders 
on  the  march  were  received  from  Colonel  H.  Hawkins,  senior  to 
myself. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  SLEMP. 


llEPOKt  OF  COLONEL  L'AWKLN?:. 

1Ie.auquakilu<  FiktiI  Klmucky,      ) 
Jonfavilk,  Va  ,  Jan.  29,  1863.  \ 

G-.neial  iLvRenAii., 

Sir  :  At  your  request,  I  submit  the  following  report  of  the  opera- 
tions of  my  commtind  fluring  the  l:ito  raid  made  by  General  Carter;  . 
My  regiment,  three  hundredand  ten  effective  men,  was  encamped  at 
Abingdon,  Virgisiia,  when  on  the  3()th  lA'Ccmber  last,  at  t-wo  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  I  was  inforn^ed  by  an  ofiiccr  from  your  headquarters  that  you 
had  information  that  a  large  cavalry  force  of  the  enemy  was    in   Lee 
county,  destination  not  known,  strength  estimated  at  four  thousand  ; 
that  you  desired  me  to  hold  my  command  in   readiness  to  move  at  a 
moment's  warning      About  eleven,  A.    Isl.,  the   same  day,  I  received 
orders    to    move  my    command  immediately    to    th?*  depot    and  take 
the  cars   for    Bristol.     Moved    at    once  to    the  depot,    and    reported 
to  you  that  the  cars  were  gone.     You  seemed  much  surprised,  and 
remarked  that  you  had  inforuicd  the  conductor  not  to  move  the  train 
without  your  permist^ion,  and  direcled  me  to  remain  at  the  depot  un- 
til the  train  could  be  ordered  back.     The  train  arrived  about  dark,  but 
was  not  ready  for  some  time  afterward  to  take  my  command  en  board. 
Arrived  at  Bristol  about  midnight      Left  the  cars  and  bivouacked  un- 
til morning  (31  St.)  when  you  informed  me  that  you  would  not  move 
from  Bristol  until^you  could  leain  eomething  of  the  movements  of  the 
enemy,  whi'.h  you  would  likely  do  by  the  time  the  remainder  of  your 
mounted  men  would  arrive.     Ijatc  in  the  evening,  when  scouts  brought 
information   that   the  enemy  was  retreating,  you  informed  me  that  it 
was  your  purpose  to  move  under  cover  of  the  night  to  cut  oil"  his  re- 
treat, and,  without  further  orders,  I  would  move  my  command  at  dusk 
on  Blountville,  accompanied  by    Colonel  Slemp's  regiment,   (sixty- 
fourth  Virginia.)  and  a  section  of  Davidson's  battery,  and  await  fur- 
ther orders  '   That  the^  mounted  men  not  yet  ready,  would   move  as 
soon  as  ready,  and  that  you  would  remain  at  Bristol  to  await  the  ar- 
,  rival  of  more  troops  on  the  train,  and  a'^.sist  Capt.  Jclfries  to' start  his 
battery,  which  would  also  follow  during  the  night.      When  we  reached 
Blountville,   a   distance   of  nine   miles,   haltod,  (luartcred    troops  in 
iiouaes,  (it  being  very  cold.)     My  men   had  rested  about  two  hours 
when  you  arrived  and  ordered  the  colifmn   to.  move  at  once    to  Big 
Moccasin  gap,  the  mounted  men  having  passed  me  on  the  march,  and 
were  to  move  rapidly  to  that  point,  head   the   enemy  and  hold  him  in 
check  until  the  ir.faiitry  and  artillery  could  attack  his  rear.     .Leaving 
Bristol  r.t  dusk,  we  marched  continuously  -and  rajiidlj^  except  the  two 
hours'  rest  at  Blouniville,  until  we  arrived  at  Moccasin  gap,  (twenty- 
eight  miles;)  not  finding  the  enemy,  we  moved  to  Estillville  and  en- 
camped  for   the   night.     When    I    arrived   there.   Colonel  Giltner's 
regiment  was   feeding  and    preparing  to  move,  the    remainder  of  the 
mounted  men  having  passed  on.     You   informed  me  that  you  were 


185 

expecting  Colonel  Dunn's  regiment  and  Captain  Jeffries'  battery  at 
Estillville  that  night ;  that  you  were  going  "to  press  forward  during 
the  night  with  the  mounted  force  to  head  the  enemy,  in  which  event 
he  might  attempt  his  escape  by  passing  in  your  rear,  in  which  event 
I  must,  if  possible'  intercept  him. 

The  next  morning  at  six  oVlock,  (2d  January,)  I  received  a  dis- 
patch from  you,  dated  (en  route,)  1st  January,  ten  P.  M.,  ordering 
me  to  move  my  own  and  Colonel  Slemp's  regiment  and  the  two  guns 
from  Davidson's  battery,  by  th ;  quickest  route,  to  Hickory  flats,  leav- 
ing Colonel  Dunn's  regiment  and  Captain  Jeffries'  battery  to  guard 
Moccasin  gap  in  the  event  the  enemy  should  l:e  headed  and  compelled 
to  turn  bade,  and  attempt  his  CEcape  through  that  gap,  a  thing  thought 
not  improbable. 

My  column  was  put  in  i»<i^ion  early  in  the  morning  for  Hickory 
flats,  moving  briskly  so  as  to' cover  the  roads  leading  jfrom  the  direc- 
tion the  enemy  was  taking,  by  Spier's  ferry  and  Pattonsville. 

At  eight  and  a  half,  P.  M.,  I  received  the  following  dispatch  : 

Colonel  Hawkins  : 

The  enemy  is  engaged  near  Hunter's  gap,  as  I  hear.  My  force  is 
now  iu  seven  miles  of  Joncsville.  You  take  the  shortest  road  to 
Hunter's  gap,  with  your,  column,  so  as  to  intercept  the  enemy  if  he 
attempts  to  pass  by  Pattonsville,  and  to  come  in  his  rear  if  he  makes 
a  stand  at  that  point.  Follow  up  through  Hunter's  gap'  if  he  is  ad- 
vanced beyond  that  point,  on  his  rear,  until  you  reach  him. 

H.  Marshall,  Brigadier  General. 

The  head  of  my  column  was  then  near  Pattonsville,  at  which  place 
I  halted  for  rest,  having  marched  that  day  (2d  January,)  twenty 
miles,  over  a  muddy  road  ;  had  camp  fires  made,  as  it  was  too  cold  to 
do  without  fire,  and  having  no  tents  or  shelter,  put  out  a  camp  guard 
and  a  picket  on  the  road  leading  from  Hunter's  gap  to  Pattonsville 
and  Spier's  ferry — ten  miles  from  my  command.  The  picket  was  de- 
tailed from  my  regiment,  and  put  under  comm.and  of  Lieutenant  Pride- 
more,  of  the  fourteenth  Virginia  regiment,  who  knew  the  country, 
and  mounted  on  hcrscs  impressed  for  that  purpose.  This  was  done 
that  the  enemy  might  not  only  not  surprise  me,  but  to  prevent  him  from 
gaining  my  rear,  and  making  his  escape  by  Spier's,  by  taking  the  road 
within  ten  miles  of  my  comman(l,  which  if  he  had  attempted,  being 
warned  by  my  pickets  of  his  purpose,  I  could  have  intercepted  him 
b}'^  rapidly  countermarching  my  column  on  the. road  I  had  just  passed 
over.  I  did  not  retire  for  rest  that  night  until  two  o'clock,  A.  M.,  of 
the  3d  instant,  and  at  five  o'clock,  my  column  was  stretched  out  on 
the  road  to  Hunter's  gap,  animated  with  high  hopes  of  ftr.gaging  the 
enemy.  In  the  meantime,  I  dispatched  to  you  that  if  the  enemy  at- 
tempted to  pass  by  Pattonsville  I  would  intercept  him.  If  he  made 
a  stand  at  that  point,  Avould  attack  his  rear  by  ten,  A.  M.,  ai  farthest. 
My  column  continued  the  march  by  passing  through  Hunter's  gap. 
On  arriving  at  Jonesville,  was  directed  to  go  into  quarters,  the  enemy 
Laving  made  his  escape.  The  men  of  the  fifth  Kentucky  and  sixty- 
fourth  Virginia  regiments  deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their  patient 


180 

endurance  on  this  march,  having  moved  in  three  days  and  rugkts  seventy 
miles,  over  rough  roads,  hills  and  mountains,  an(i  each  day  crossing  a 
river,  one  in  a  small  ferry  boat  and  t^o  in  small  canoes ;  an  inclem- 
ent season  and  without  tents  or  camp  equipage  of  any  kind. 
Yery  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

A.  HAWKINS, 
Colonel  Fifth  Kentucky  Infantry. 


•^» 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  CLAY. 

Headquarters  First  Batt'n.  Ky.  Mt'd.  Rifles,  ) 
Carr^p  Livesay,  January  24,  1863.      ) 

Brigadier  General  H,  Marshall  : 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  your  order,  I  submit  the  following  report  : 
At  or  about  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Tuesday,  the  30th  December,  1862, 
I  received  information  from  Colonel  Slemp  and  Major  Davis,  the  com- 
mandant of  the  post  at  Bristol,  that  some  four  thousand  Yankee  cav- 
alry were  moving  on  Bristol,  and  at  one,  P-  M.,  on  Monday,  wera 
distant  forty-five  miles  ;  that  they  would  probably  reach  that  place 
by  morning;  that  their  direction  was  about  west.  While  I  was  ac- 
knowledging the  receipt  of  these  dispatches,  two  citizens  from  Lee 
county  rode  up  to  my  tent  and  confirmed  the  report,  and  stated  by 
that  time  the  enemy  was  no  doubt  at  Estillville,  some  twenty-eight 
miles  distant  from  Bristol.  I  enquired  of  them  why  they  thought 
that  the  enemy  was  intending  a  demonstration  on  Bristol ;  they  re- 
plied, because  the  soldiers  had  told  it  along  the  road,  and  had  fre- 
quently asked  the  distance  to  that  place  ;  which  at  once  led  me  to  be- 
lieve that  he  was  certainly  making  for  Bristol.  Immediately  on  re- 
ceiving this  intelligence,  I  aroused  the  camp,  ordered  horses  saddled, 
and  ammunition  issued  to  all  who  had  arms,  (there  being  about 
seventy-five  men  without  arms.)  As  soon  as  ammunition  was  issued 
to  company  A,  I  ordered  it  out  on  duty,  with  orders  to  scout  rapidly 
the  roads  leading  from  Estillville,  by  which  the  enemy  might  approach 
my  camp,  and  find  out  his  position  and  movements — my  camp  being 
between  the  enemy  and  Bristol,  The  scout  on  the  road  known  as  the 
Reedy  creek  road,  upon  which  I  was  encamped,  had  not  advanced 
more  than  six  or  seven  miles  before  he  met  three  of  the  enemy's  cav- 
alry— one  a  sergeant.  Two  of  them  were  made  prisoners  by  the 
scout,  and  the  other  shot  from  his  horse  by  Major  Johnson,  who  had 
just  overtaken  my  scout  on  his  road  from  Abingdon  to  join  his  com- 
mand. 

Concerning  this  affair,  I  enclose  the  Lieutenant's  report  to  me,  who 
was  in  command  of  the  party,  and  upon  which  you  can  rely.  The 
two  prisoners  were  sent  to  camp,  accompanied  by  Major  Johnson,  who 
was  very  much  excited,  and  yet  holding  his  pistol  in  his  hand.  This 
was  about  daylight.  I  questioned  the  prisoners,  and  learned  from 
the  sergeant  that  one  had  stopped  to  fix  something  about  the  saddle, 
and  that  he  (sergeant)  had  stopped  back  to  bring  them  up  to  their 
command,  having  been  placed  in  rear  of  his  company  for  that  pur- 
pose. It  seems  from  after  developments  that  these  prisoners  had 
fallen  in  rear  of  their  command  just  before  it  had  reached  the  forks  of 
the  road,  eight  miles  from  my  camp,  and  that  the  command  had  taken 
the  right  hand  road,  which  leads  to  Union,  via  Blountville  ;  that  these 
three  men,  in  their  hurry  to  rejoin  their  command,  passed  .the  road 
unnoticed,  and  ran  up  to  my  scout,  thinking  it  a  part  of  their  own 


'  188 

commind,  •  I  immediately  ordereil   tents  struck  and  wagons  loaded, 
read}'  to  march  at  a  moment's  -vvjirning. 

Thitiking  that  the  enemy  would  make  a  demonstration  on  Bristol 
with  his  whole  force  or  a  part,  by  the  road  upon  which  I  was  encamp- 
ed, I  ordered  the  train  and  sick  to  Bristol,  and  determined  to  hold  my 
position,  or  by  skirmishing  with  him, detain  him/  until  you  could  send 
a  suITioient  force  to  Bristol  to  defonl  it  with  complete  success,  know- 
ing Slemp's  regiment  insufficient  to  do  so;  (as  he  had  reported  it  to  me 
as  only  four  hundred  strong.) 

This  brings  us  up  to  hilf  past  seven  o'clock,  A.  M.  About  this 
time  there  rode  into  camp  three  citizens,  one  of  whom  waa  introduced 
to  me  as  Colonel  Dunn,  by  M<ij';"r  Johnson,  who  gave  me  some  infor- 
mation as  regards  two  roads  leading  from  Blountville  to  Bristol,  and 
suggested  that  the  enemy  would  likely  approach  Bristol  by  one  or 
both  of  these  roads,  and  proposed  to  go  as  a  guide  with  my  scouts  on 
these  roads,  (these  roads  entered  the  main  Bristol  and  Estillvilie  road 
between  my  camp  and  Bristol.)  I  therefore  ordered  Captain  White  to 
take  his  company  and  scout  these  roads  as  far  as  Blountville,  with  all 
speed,  which  was  promptly  obeyed.  Colonel  Dunn  accompaiiied  Cap- 
tain White  a  shoit  distance  beyond  his  hoiisc,  and  tlicn  returned  to 
his  domicil.  At  eleven,  A.  M.,  I  received  a  dispat.^i  from  Cap- 
tain "White,  w;ho  was  then  one  mile  from  Blountvillo,  stating  that  the 
enemy  had  left  that  place  and  gone  in  the  directiun  of  Union;  that 
the  greater  porvion  had  passed  the  point  that  he  was  then  at  before 
daylight ;  that  they  remained  only  a  short  time  at  Blountville.  This 
information  I  telegraphed  you  at  Abingdon,  and  sent  to  Col.  Slemp 
at  Bristol.  About  this  time  Johnson's  command  arrived,  I  think 
about  eighty  strong. 

Finding  that  the  enemy's  whole  force  had  passed  to  my  left,  I  call- 
ed in  my  pickets  from  my  right,  and  moved  my  command,  with  -Tohn- 
Bon's,  to  Bristol,  (which  was  advancing,)  and  covered  that  place,  with 
pickets  and  scouts  in  the  direction  of  Blountville  and  Union,  think- 
ing the  enemy  would  likely  attack  Bristol  from  these  directions,  after 
destroying  the  bridge  at  Union.  It  was  about  two  o'clock,  P.  M., 
when  I  reached  Bristol.  On  Tuesday  ^ight  I  received  information 
from  my  .'^cout  at  Union  that  the  enemy  had  burned  the  bridge  there, 
and  gone  in  the  direction  of  the  Watauga  bridge,  some  seven  or  eight 
miles  south-west  of  that  place.  This  information  I  gave  you  when 
you  got  to  Bristol  on  Tuesday  night. 

Colonel  Dunn  states  in  his  letter  to  the  Hon.  James  A.  Seddon  that 
he  found  n;y  camp  in  a  perfect  state,  of  disorganization,  "and  that  I 
did  not  know  what  to  do;  that  my  command  was  some  four  hundred 
and  fifty  strong — all  confidentially.  These  statements  are  infamous, 
false  aijd  shndmnis,  to  the  utmost.  My  command  did  not  exceed  two 
hundred  and  fifty  men.  I  must  say,  in  conclusion,  that  it  is  strange, 
but  nevertheless  true,  that  I  did  not  receive  any  information  what- 
ever from  citizens,  except  from  the  two  alluded  to  in.  the  first  part  of 
my  report.     Yours,  very  respectfully, 

E.  F.  CLAY, 
LiiuUnant  Colonel,  commanding  Battalion. 


RErOKT  OF  LIEUTENANT  DUNCAN. 

Colonel  Clay  : 

Sir:  By  your  order,  I  submit  the  following  report:  It  was  on  the 
night  of  December  29,  1862,  that  by  your  order  I  was  ordered  to  take 
a  part  cf  our  company  and  scout  down  the  Kingsport  road,  as  it  was 
repc  rted  the  enemy's  cavalry  was  coming  in  the  neighborhood.  Ihad 
gone  8ome  seven  miles,  and  stopped  the  main  body,  and  sent  pickets 
one  mile  in  front,  with  orders  to  f-tand  until  relieved.  This  was  about 
three  hours  before  daylight ;  the  pickets  in  the  meantime  hearing 
horsemen  advancing,  sent  one  of  their  number  back  to  me  to  know 
what  to  do,  as  Colonel  Johnson's  command  was  encamped  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, and  thej'  fearing  to  fire  for  fear  it  was  Johnson's  men  falling 
back.  I  was  setting  in  the  road,  mounted,  with  my  men,  Avhen  three 
men  rode  up  to  us  from  the  rear,  who  afterwards  proved  to  be  Colonel 
Johnson  and  two  of  his  men.  At  or  about  the  same  time  three  of  the 
enemy  rode  up,  and -asked  if  the  front  of  the  column  was  ahead.  I 
asked,  what  column  ?  They  replied,  the  ninth  Pennsylvania.  I  re- 
plied that  wc  were  Confederate  troopji,  and  ordered  them  to  surrender, 
which  they  did,  as  I  ordered  my  men  to  prepare.  At  or  near  fhe 
same  time  1  heard  a  pistol  shot,  which  I  afterwards  learned  was  Col- 
onel Johnson's.  He  shot  one  of  the  prisoners.  We  then  fell  back, 
and  stationed  pickets.  I  then  turned  the  prisoners  over  to  you, 
(Colonel  Clay.)  Colonel  Johnson  was  a  prisoner  himself  until  he  let 
himself  be  known;  that  was  about  the  time  of  taking  the  enemy. 
These  are  the  facts,  as  well  as  I  remember. 
•     Yours,  respectfully, 

W.  W.  DUNCAN, 
iS'ccond  Lieutenant  company  A,  \st  bnttallon  Ky.  Mounted  Jiijies.  , 


BATTLE  OF  KINSTON. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  EVANS. 


Headquarters  Evans'  Brigadb,      ) 
Wilmington,  N.  C,  March  26th,   1863.  \ 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  C.  S.  A., 

Richmo7id,   Virginia : 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  the  report  of  Colonel  C.  P 
Mallett,  commanding  battalion,  of  the   action  of  his  command  at  the 
battle  of  Kinston,  N.  C.     I  forward  this  report  direct,  as  my  report 
had  been  sent  in  some  time  since. 
Very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

N.  G.  EVANS, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  MALLETT. 

Fayetteville,  N.  C,  Feb.  20,  1863. 

Brigadier  General  N.  G.  Evans  : 

General  :  Confinement  to  my  bed  for  the  last  two  months  \fill,  I 
trust,  be  apology  sufficient  for  the  delay  in  reporting  to  you  the  part 
taken  by  my  command  in  the  battle  near  Kinston  on  Sunday,  Decem- 
ber 1 4th. 


192 

I  arrived  at  Kinston  by  railroad,  Sunday  morning,  at  seven  o'clock, 
and  immediately  reported  to  and  was  ordered  by  you  to  take  position 
with  ray  battalion,  consisting  of  nineteen  olEcers  and  four  hundred  and 
sixty  men,  in  the  rifle-pits,  on  the  enst  bank  of  Neuse  river,  to  sup- 
port a  South  Carolina  battery  commanding  the  county  bridge.  At 
half-past  eight  o'clock,  we  were  in  position,  an<l  in  a  few' momenta 
musketry  firing  commenced  on  the  left  of  th6  line  of  battle,  which 
was  formed  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  ;  and  at  nine  o'clock  the 
first  gun  was  fired  by  the  artillery.  At  &  quarter  past  nine,  I 
received. an  order,  through  one  of  your  aids,  to  inareh  at  double-quick 
across  the  bridge.  Having  crossed,  I  met  you  on  the  west  side  direct- 
ing men,  pouring  spirits  of  turpentine  on  cotton,  placed  upon  the 
bridge.  You  ordered  me  to  take  my  command  through  the  field  on 
the  right  of  the  White  Hall  road,  and  engage  the  enemy.  AVe  passed 
through  the  field  under  a  fire  of  shell  from  the  enemy,  (losing  one 
man,)  to  the  distance  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  to  a  fence  on  the  dlge  of 
a  swamp,  on  the  other  side  of  which  the  enemy  appeared  to  be  in  force. 
Here  we  engaged  the  enemy  for  some  time,  but  the  principal  poijit 
of  attack  appeared  to  be  the  church  known  as  llarne-b's  chapel,  on 
my  left,  where  was  stationed  a- section  of  Stair's  battery,  supported 
by  the  sixty-first  regiment  North  Carolina  troops,  under  Colonel 
Radcliffe.  At  length  the  firing  upon  ray  part  of  the  line  ceased 
almo.st  entirely.  Being  anxious  to  charge  the  enemy  and  drive  him 
back,  I  sent  Lieutenant  Little  to  the  section  of  artillery  on  my  ieft 
to  ascertain  the  real  position  of  the  enejny  and  of  our  forces,  it  being 
impossible  to  charge  through  the  swamp  in  my  front.  Ab:»ut  the 
time  of  Lieutenant  Little's  return,  without  any  accurate  information, 
I  received  by  courier  a  written  order  from  you,  as  follows  : 

"  CoLONF.i. :  Let  me  know  if  the  enemy  are  in  your  front.  If  not, 
join  me  at  the  bridge," 

At  this  time,  th:re  being  no  indications  of  the  enemy  in  front,  I 
drew  oil"  in  good  order  and  returned  to  the  bridge  ;  but,  to  my  sur- 
prise, you  were  absent,  leaving  no  order  or  instructions  for  me. 
Observing  that  the  South  Carolina  battery,  commanding  the  bridge, 
had  been  removed,  and  the  bridge  apparently  deserted,  I  concluded 
you  were  waiting  for  me  on  the  east  side,  and  retreating  towards 
Ki:nston,  I  proceeded  across  the  bridge.  In  a  few  moments  after 
crossing,  I  was  met  1)^  an  officer  of  your  staff,  with  orders  to  go 
back.  This  order  1  promptly  obeyed,  marching  again  at  a  double- 
quick  through  the  same  field  to  my  former  position,  under  a  heavy 
fire  of  the  enemy's  artilllery,  and  was  almost  immediately  hotly 
engaged  with  his  infantry.  In  about  an  hour  I  was  reinforced 
with  ninety  to  one  hundred  men  from  the  sixty-first  North  '..  aro- 
lina,  commanded  by.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Derane,  who  took  position 
on  my  right.  The  enemy  made  a  vigorous  charge  at .  this  time 
on  my  left,  and  waa  as  vigorously  repulsed.  Old  veterans  could  not 
have  met  the  foe  with  more  coolness  and  determination  than  these 
newly  tried  men.     He  appeared  determined  to  force  his  way.  through 


193 

my  lines  at  the  church.  I  ordered  Lieutenant  Colonel  Derane  to 
reinforce  ray  left.  He  took  his  position  promptly,  and  did  good  ser- 
vice; and  I  here  take  {)leiisuie  in  testifying  to  his  coolness  and 
undoubted  bravery  With  his  assistance  and  the  company  of  my 
right  ffank,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  McRae,  also  ordered  to  the 
left,  we  held  the  enemy  in  check  some  time.  My  ammunition  now 
began  to  fail,  and  after  sending  repeatedly  to  the  rear,  could 
not  be  replenished. 

Apprehending  an  attempt,  to  turn  ray  right  also,  Captain  McRae. 
acting  as  my  lieutenant  colonel,  was  directed  to  observe  closelj  and 
give  me  immediate  notice  of  any  advance  in  that  direction.  He 
reported  the  enemy  in  force,  but  no  attempt  was  made  to  Hank  m.^ 
owing,  I  suppose,  to  the  impenetrable  swamp  between  us.  At  this 
time,  having  held  the  enemy  in  check  for  about  three  hours,  looking 
in  vain  for  reinforcements,  the  section  of  artillery  near  the  church 
retired,  I  since  lei;rn.  for  want  of  ammunition.  Immediately  after, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Derane  sent  me  word  that  the  enemy  were 
flanking  us  on  the  left,  and  withdrew  his  men  toward  the  bridge. 
Finding  myself  alone,  and  the  enemy  pressing  upon  us,  I  ordered  a 
retreat,  which  was  made  in  good  order,  the  men  continuing  thtir  fire 
with  effect. 

At  the  bridge  I  intended  to  make  another  stand,  but  on  approach- 
ing it  found  it  on  fire,  crowded  with  men  endeavoring  to  cross.  A 
panic  ensued;  the  enemy  pressed  upon  us  from  two  directions,  at 
double-quick,  in  large  fonce,  and  the  bridge  the  only  means  of  escape. 
The  greater  portion  of  my  command  succeeded  in  crossing,  while  the 
other  was  driven  back  by  the  flames.  While  endeavoring  to  keep  the 
men  back,  fearing  the  bridge  would  fall  every  moment,  I  was  wounded 
in  the  leg  by  a  Minnie  ball,  and  obliged  to  relinquish  the  conr.nand  to 
Captain  McRae,  ^hose  self-possession  and  bravery  bhould  not  be  left 
unnoticed.  * 

Being  under  a  heavy  cross-fire  from  an  overwhelming  fo.ce,  my 
men  and  ammunition  exhausted,  and  the  bridge  impassable,  I  advised 
Captain  McRae  to  surrender.  The  enemy  now  directed  his  fire  upon 
the  retreating  troops  on  the  Kinston  side,  who  spiritedly  returned  the 
fire  with  good  efl"ect,  killing  a  Colonel  Gra3'  and  others  near  the  bridge. 
The  enemy's  force  was  between  twenty  and  twenty-five  thousand  men, 
and  seventy-two  pieces  of  artillery. 

General  Foster  admitted  to  me  that  we  had  repulsed  three  of  his 
veteran  regiments,' with  a  loss  of  one  hundred  men,  since  ascertained 
to  be  about  two  hundred  and  fifty. 

I  regret  to  report  the  loss  of  two  of  my  best  oflicers,  who  fell  at 
the  close  of  the  engagement.  Lieutenant  J.  J.  Reid,  commanding 
company  A,  fell  by  my  side  near  the  bridge,  and  Lieutenant  J.  IL 
Hill,  commanding  company  C,  whilst  retreating  on  the  Kin- 
ston side.  Both  led  their  companies  gallantly  through  the  entire 
engagement.  Braver  or  more  gallant  young  men  never  drew  a  sword 
Our  loss  was  seven  killed  and  twenty -two  wounded,  eight  missing,  and 
one  hundred  and  seventy-fiv^e  taken  prisoners.  After  diligent  search 
and  enquiry  for  Adjutant  E.  N.  Mann  and  Lieutenant  B.  K. 
13 


134 

Williniaa,    I    am    reluctantly  forced    to  include   them   in  the  list  of 
killed. 

Officers  and  men,  nearly  all  of  whom  were  under  fire  for  the  first 
time,  behaved  with  the  coolness,  determination  and  bravery  of  vete- 
rans. 

It    would    be    almost    invidious    to    discriminate,   but    I    cannot 
refrain  from    nrentioning   the  conspicuous   gallantry   and  bravery  of 
Lieutenant  J.  R.  McLean,  commanding  company  F. 
Enclosed  please  find  list  of  killed  and  wounded. 
Hoping  1  may  be  allowed  to  engage  the  enemy  under  more  favora- 
ble circumstances, 

I  am,  General, 

Yowr  obedient  servant, 

PETER  MALLETT, 

Colonel  cov^mandivg  botlalun. 


LI^T  OF  KILLED   AND    WOVNDLD,    ''Malldt    Battalion;'  at 
Kinston,  Dec.   \4th,   1862.  ^ 

Company   C — Lieutenant  J.  11.  Hill,  commanding,  killed. 
ComjHiny  A — Lieutenant  J.  J.  lleid,  commanding,  killed  ;  Lieuten- 
ant R.  K.  \Yilliam9,  killed.  * 
Adjutant  E.  ^.  Mann,  killed. 

Company  A — Private  J.  Crawford,  killed;  private  E.  W.  Glenn ^ 
wounded;  private  R.  !>.  Murray,  wounded;  private  J.  M.  Sampson, 
wounded  ;  private  F.  Turner,  wounded ;  private  B.  F.  Flood, 
wounded. 

Company* B — Private  Thomas  M.  Avistin,  killed;  corporal  W.  T, 
Keziah,  wounded;  private  O.  P.  Robinson,  wounded;  private 
D.  C.  Ross,  wounded;  private  D.  S.  Nickelson,  wounded; 
private  J.  C.  White,  wounded,  died  since  ;  private  W,  W.  Paxton, 
wounded. 

Company  C — Private  W.  Caudle,  killed;  private  J.  Fletcher, 
killed  ;  private  E.  Aycock,  wounded  ;  private  B.  W.  Galium, 
wounded;  corporal  J.  D.  Ferrell,  wounded  ;  private  J.  J.  Overman , 
wounded ;  private  J.  C.  Rool,  wounded  ;  private  B.  S.  Steepleton, 
wounded. 

Company  D — Private  A.  W.  Johnson,  killed;  private  A,  Price, 
killed ;  private  W.  H.  Bailey,  wounded  ;  private  J.  F.  Glenn, 
wounded;  private  J.  W.  Wise,  wounded;  private  J.  L.  Quinn, 
wounded;  private  G.  Stroud,  wounded ;  private  J.  G.  Henson, 
wounded;  private  A.  M.  Mandell,  wounded. 

Company  E — Private  C.  M.  Brounton,  killed;  private  John  M. 
Whitsell,  wounded. 

Company  F — Private  W.  J.  Crawford,  killed ;  corporal  W.  A. 
Baker,  wounded  \  private  J.  P.  Goodman,  wounded }  private  James 


•  195 

Hulin,  wounded-  private  J.  C.  Jordan,  wounded;  private  W.  R. 
Johnson,  wounded  ;  private  J.  II.  Lee,  wounded  ;  private  N.  Mel- 
ton, wounded ;  private  W.  A.  Nail,  wounded  ;  private  David  Nail, 
wounded;  private  A.   Ward,  wounded. 

Total  killed,  -        •     .  .  .  ]2 

Total  wounded,         -  *  -  .  34 

Total  loss,  ~  -  -  -  46 


OPERATIONS  NEAR  JACKSONVILLE. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  FINEGAN. 


Headquarters  District  East  Florida,  > 
Xa/ceCiYy,  March  31,  1863.  •    \ 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  that  on  the  night  of  the  24th 
instant,  I  directed  Lieutenant  Buckman,  chief  of  ordnance,  to  proceed 
with  the  rifled  thirty-tAvo  pounder,  furnished  me  by  Brigadier  General 
Cobb,  mounted  on  a  platform  car  on  the  railroad,  and  a  sufficient  in- 
fantry support  for  the  gun,  to  within  range  of  the  town,  and  open 
upon  it  with  shell.  In  obedience  to  this  order.  Lieutenant  Buckman 
proceeded  to  within  one-and-a-half  miles  of  the  town,  and  opened  upon 
it,  with  effect,  throwing  shell  with  great  accuracy  into  those  parts  of 
the  town  where  the  enemy  were  located  The  gun  was  admirably 
served  ;  and  great  credit  is  due  to  Lieutenant  Buckman,  and  to  pri- 
vate Francis  Sotee,  of  Captain  West's  company,  first  special  battalion 
Florida  volunteers,  commanding  gun  detachment,  for  its  effective 
service.  The  firing  of  the  enemy,  from  a  large  number  of  heavy 
guns  on  their  gunboats,  and  some  in  battery,  soon  became  concen- 
trated and  accurate,  and  the  gun,  in  pusuance  of  orders,  was  with- 
drawn, after  inflicting  some  damage  on  the  enemy,  and  without  loss 
on  our  side. 

On  the  succeeding  morning,  the  enemy  advanced  in  force,  about 
fifteen  hundred  strong,  in  three  columns,  driving  in  pickets  with 
skirmishers,  and  formed  in  line  of  battle  about  three  miles  from  town. 
My  entire  force  was  immediately  ordered,  with  all  possible  expedition^, 
to  proceed  to  the  ground  where  they  were  drawn  up,  and  engage  them. 
The  rifled  thirty-two  pounder,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Buck- 
man,  with  a  strong  support  of  infantry  and  cavalry,  on  left  flank, 
protected  on  the  right  by  the  jnain  body  of  our  troops,  was  sent  down 


198 

on  the  railroad,  and  opened  on  the  enemy  as  soon  as  they  came  within 
range,  gnulually  approaching  them,  until  within  full  view  of  a  consid- 
erable force,  protected  by  a  twelve-pounder  Parrott  gun,  and  engaged 
,  in  destroying  a  culvert,  over  which  it  was  necessary  for  our  gun  to 
pass,  in  order  to  shell  the  town.  Lieutenant  Buckman  opened  on  them 
with  effect,  throwing  shell  with  great  accuracy,  and  dispersing  the 
party.  In  the  meantime,  a  section  of  Captain  Gamble's  battery  of 
Florida  artillery,  was  ordered  some  little  distance  in  advance  of  our 
main  body;  and  under  command  of  Captain  Gamble  and  Lieutenant 
Villipigue,  opened  on  the  enemy  a  cross  fire,  in  the  direction  where 
they  were  supposed  to  be  lying  concealed,  in  seme  force. 

The  enemy  had  in  this  fight,  in  addition  to  the  Parrott  gun  on  the 
railroad  car,  a  small  hand  piece,  with  which  he  opened  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  firing  from  Captain  Gamble's  section.  He  did  not  await 
the  advance  of  the  main  body  of  our  troops,  but  retired  precipitately 
soon  after  the  thirty-two  pounder  gun  had  opened  on  him.  I  con- 
tinued to  throw  shell  into  their  column  for  some  distance  on  their  re- 
treat, and  found  evidence  of  considerable  loss  on  their  part.  A  num- 
ber of  guna,  caps,  haversacks,  canteens,  and  fragments  of  human 
bodies  and  portions  of  skulls,  were  found  on  the  several  roads  occupied 
by  their  columns.  The  conduct  and  services,  on  this  occasion,  of 
Lieutenant  Buckman,  chief  of  ordnance,  and  private  Francis  Sotee, 
of  Captain  West's  company,  first  special  battalion,  commanding  gun 
detachment  of  thirty-two-pounder  rifled  gun,  is  again  entitled  to  spe- 
cial commendation. 

The  enemy  having  retired,  I  sent  forward  a  strong  body  of  infantry, 
under  command  of  Major  Brevard,  first  partisan  rangers,  with  orders 
to  liold  them  in  reserve,  under  over  from  the  enemy's  guns,  and  to 
send  forward  a  body  of  skirmishers,  to  approach  cautiously,  and  as- 
certain the  position  of  the  enemy  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the 
town,  and  endeavor  to  draw  them  out  in  force.  The  order  was  exe- 
cuted by  Major  Brevard  with  promptness,  gallantly  and  discretion. 
The  skirmishers,  under  command  of  Major  Brevard  in  person,  advanced 
to  within  a  short  distance  of  the  town.  Finding  the  enemy's  pickets 
drawn  into  their  outer  battery,  a  strong  position  on  the  brow  of  a  hill, 
a  ravine  in  front,  and  a  strong  force,  well  posted  for  its  defence,  un- 
der good  cover  on  cither  flank ;  and  having  no  further  object  to  gain, 
I  ordered  Major  Brevard's  command  to  retire  ;  and  replacing  and 
strengthening  my  pickets,  returned  with  the  main  body  of  my  force 
to  camp,  having  inflicted  on  the  enemy,  as  I  have  reason  to  believe,  a 
(probable  loss  often  or  fifteen  men,  without  any  casualties  to  my  own 
troops. 

The  conduct  and  spirit  of  both  officers  and  men  of  the  entire  eom- 
inand  was  excellent,  and  I  desire  to  mention  favorably  to  the 
commanding  General,  Colonel  Duncan  L.  Clinch,  fourth  Georgia 
■cavalry  ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  McCormick,  second  Florida  cavalry ; 
^lajor  Thomas,  inspector  general  and  acting  chief  of  artillery ;  Major 
T.  W.  Brevard,  first  battalion  partisan  rangers*  Major  Harrison, 
second  Florida  cavalry  ;  Major  McDonald,  fourth  Georgia  cavalry ; 
Captain  West,  first  special  battalion  ;.  Captains  Westcott,  Mays,  P. 


199 

B.  Bird,  and  J.  Q.  Stewart,  of  Brevard's  battalion  partisan  rangers  ; 
and  Lieutenant  Tucker,  commanding  company  from  camp  of  instruc- 
tion, and  his  officers  and  men.  On  the  succeeding  day,  the  26th 
instant,  I  placed,  early  in  the  morning,  a  strong  foice  of  infantry, 
with  a  battery  of  artillery,  under  Major  Brevard,  first  battalion  par- 
tisan rangers,  under  cover  of  some  woods,  to  the  right  of  where  the 
enemy  were  posted  on  the  2oth  instant,  with  the  design  of  getting  in 
their  rear  should  they  again  venture  out.  During  the  day  informa- 
mation  reached  me  that  they  were  out  in  force,  and  I  again  marched 
to  meet  them,  with  the  intcntioQ  of  cutting  them  off,  but  they  retired 
before  we  got  near  them.  On  the  night  of  the  2Gth  the}^  were  out  in 
some  force,  attempting  to  destroy  the  railroad  track,  about  one  mile 
from  town.  Lieutenant  Buckman  was  again  ordered,  with  the  rilled 
thirty-two-pounder  and  an  infantry  support,  to  drive  them  in.  This 
ho  accomplished  with  a  few  rounds.  On  each  succeeding  day  I  posted 
a  large  body  of  infantry  under  cover  for  the  purpose  of  cutting  off 
any  force  that  mright  come  out,  but  the  enemy  kept  closely  within 
their  lines,  in  the  suburbs  of  the  town,  and  under  the  immediate  fire 
of  their  gunboats  and  batteries.  On  Sunday,  the  29th  instant,  while 
reconiloitering  the  town  from  a  position  on  the  river,  I  discovered  it 
was  on  fire  in  several  places  ami  that  the  transports  were  being  loaded 
with  troops.  I  immediately  conjectured  that  the  enemy  were  leaving, 
and  pressed  on  into  the  town.  Arriving  just  after  the  departure  of 
the  last  gunboat,'  I  found  the  town  in  great  part  consumed,  but  suc- 
ceeded in  extinguishing  the  fire  in  several  valuable  buildings. 

There  were  evidences  of  precipitate  departure  by  the  enemy,  and 
some  quartermaster  stores  were  left  by  them,  which  were  taken  and 
turned  over  to  the  proper  officers.  1  regret  to  report  that,  on  the 
night  of  the  27th  instant,,  liicutenant  Braddock,  of  Captain  West- 
cott's  company  of  partisan  rangers,  who  'had  obtained,  through  the 
solicitation  of  his  officers,  permission  to  proceed  to  the  east  bank  of 
the  St.  John's  river,  to'  bring  across  the  wives  and  children  of  men  in 
the  service,  who  were  there  destitute  and  exposed  to  the  outrages  of 
the  negro  troops  of  the  enemy,  after  having  crossed  the  river  some 
twelve  miles  above  my  camp  and  met  the  wagons  sent  by  his  captain 
to  convey  the  women  and  children,  was  captured,  with  fifteen  men, 
two  wagons  and  eight  mules,  by  a  force  of  the  enemy  under  Colonel 
Montgomery.  The  mules  were  recovered  by  a  force  which  I  sent  in 
pursuit,  but  the  wagons  were  burned  by  the  enemy,  and  the  women 
and  children  carried  cff.  I  have  ordered  the  arrest  of  this  officer 
(who  subsequently  escaped  from  his  captors)  and  will  ask  for  his 
trial  by  a  court-martial  whenever  the  proper  witnesses  can  be  pro- 
duced. The  fortifications  erected  by  the  enemy  around  Jacksonville 
were  formidable.  I  desire  to  bring  to  the  notice  of  the  commanding 
General,  in  the  highest  terms  of  praise,  the  conduct  and  services  of 
both  oflicers  and  men  .of  the  command  in  the  recent  operations,  and. 
herewith  transmit  a  copy  of  general  orders.  No.  12,  issued  by  me,  to 
which  I  beg  to  refer  the  commanding  General  for  special  mention  of 
instances  of  individual  merit.  I  will,  however,  here  mention,  as,  pre- 
eminently  entitled   to   consideration,  the    services   and    conduct    of 


200 

Lieutenant  T.  E  Biickraan,  chief  of  ordnance  on  my  staflT,  a  most 
accornpli>heii,  brave,  iiigt-nious  and  energetic  olSc' r  ;  and  private3 
Francis  .Sotce,  of  Captain  West's  company,  first  special  l)attalion,  and 
James  Ciiesnut,  of  (Jiiptain  Chambers'  company,  second  Florida  cav- 
alry. Also,  Captains  W.  E.  Chambers  and  Winston  Stevens,  of  the 
second  P'lorida  cavalry,  and  their  oflGcer.-'  and  men.  I  iiave  ascer- 
tained that  the  enemy's  force  in  Jacksonvillo  was  as  follows  :  Eighth 
iSlaiiic,  eleven  hundred  strong;  sixth  Connecticut,  cigiit  hundred 
strong  (whites)  ;  first  South  Carolina  voluntc^r^,  (black  troops.)  com- 
Uianded  by  Colonel  Iligginson,  a  full  regiment,  estimated  from  nine 
to  thirteen  hundred;  second  South  Carolina  volunteers,  (blacks,) 
Colonel  Montgomery  commanding,  not  full. 
I  have  the  hunor  to  be,  General, 

Very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant. 

JOSEril  FINEGA^^ 
Brignditr   General  commanding. 


Headquarters  District  East  "Florida,  > 
Lake  C\fy.  March  3(^    1SC3. "     \ 
GENERAL  ORDERS, 
No.   12. 

The  Brigadier  General  commanding  ,has  much  pleasure  in  cors- 
incnding,  in  the  highest  terras,  the  conduct  and  services  of  the  officers 
and  men  of  the  command  near  Jacksonville,  in  the  recent  operations 
against  the  enemy.  Tic-  duties  imposed  on  them  were  severe,  con- 
stant and  dangerous.  They  were  performed  by  both  officers  and  men 
with  cheerfulness  and  gallantry,  whicl?  would  be  creditable  to  rtny 
troops  in  the  service.  Tl;e  command  was  composed  of  the  companies 
cf  Captains  Stevens  and  Cfianibers,  of  the  second  cavalry.  Lieutenant 
Cdlonel  McCormick  commanding,  assisted  by  .Major  R.  Ilarrisoa,  of 
tbat  regiment ;  thr^  company  of  Captain  West,  of  first  special  bat- 
talion ;  of  Captain  Row's  company,  serving  as  infantry  ;  Captains 
Wostcott,  Mays.  I'inl.  J.  Q.  Stewart,  cf  the  first  partisan  rangers; 
and  the  independent  infantry  companies  of  Captains  Hope,  Bryant, 
A.  Stewart,  Peake,  Beggs,  Mooley,  and  Lieutenant  Tucker's  company 
from  camp  of  instruction,  all  commanded  by  Major  S.  W.  Brevard  ; 
and  the  artillery  companies  of  Captains  Gam.ble,  Dunham,  and  Abeil, 
v^iih  five  companies  of  thq  fourth  Georgia  cavalry.  Colonel  Clinch 
commanding,  three  of  which  served  as  infantry,  under  the  command 
of  Major  McDonald,  of  that  regiment.  Colonel  Clinch,  as  command- 
ing ollicer  of  forces,  during  his  stay,  was  active  and  efficient  in  the 
discharge  of  lii.s  duty,  and,  with  Major  McDonald  and  his  offi- 
cers and  men  was  eager  and  ready  to  mctt  the  enemy  on  all 
occasions  Lieutenant  Colonel  McCormick,  com!rian''.ing  cavalry,  and 
•Major  R.  Harriso!;,  second  IHorida  cavalry,  with  Captains  Chambers 
and  Stephens,  and  their  f)fficers  and  men,  performed  constant  and 
severe  duty,  watching  and  meeting  the  enemy  night  and  day.  Major 
T.  \Y.  Brevard,  commanding  infantry,  with  Captain  West's  company 


201 

of  special  battalion,'  and  Captains  Westcott,  Mays,  Sird,  and  J.  Q. 
Stewart,  and  their  companies  of  first  battalion  partisa'n  rangers,  and 
independent  infantry  of  Captains  Hope,  Brjant,  A.  Stewart,  Peake, 
Beggs  and  Mooley,  Captain  Row's  ccmpany  of  dismounted  cavalry, 
Lieutenant  Tuckers  company  from  camp  of  instruction,  and  the  com- 
panies of  fourth  Georgia  cavalry,  performed  hard  and  important 
outpost  and  picket  duty,  night  and  day,  Ij'ing  close  to  the  enemy, 
and  on  some  occasions  driving  them  back  when  they  were  out  in  force, 
and  while  under  cover  of  the  fire  from  their  gunboats  and  batteries. 
Captain  Hope,  with  his  company,  performed  good  service,  and  Cap- 
tains Mooley,  Peake  and  Beggs,  and  their  officers  and  men,  although 
just  mustered  into  service,  did  their  duty,  bravely  and  well.  Lieu- 
tenant Tucker,  commanding  company  from  camp  of  instruction, 
rendered  eiUcicnt  service,  and  is  entitled  to  favorable  mention,  n?  also 
are  Lieutenant  Thomas  Browne  and  Cadet  Lewis  ^L  Gamble.  Major 
Thomas,  chief  of  artillery,  commanded  the  batteries  with  eflficiency 
and  performed  good  service.  The  Florida  artillery,  Captain  R.  H. 
Gamble  commanding,  with  Lieutenants  Villipigue,  Dyke,  Gamble  and 
Whitner ;  the  Milton  artillery,  Captain  Dunham  commanding,  with 
Lieutenants  Bull,  Rambo,  and  the  other  officers  and  men  ;  Abell's 
battery.  Captain  Abell  commanding,  with  Lieutenant  Stevens  and  the 
other  oflicers  and  men,  deserve  special  commendation  for  their  admi- 
rable discipline,  drill  and  efficient  service.  The  veteran  regiment  of 
first  Geoi'gia  regulars,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Martin  commanding,  with 
Major  Wayne,  maintained,  during  their  short  service  with  the  com- 
mand, the  high  reputation  they  won  elsewhere.  Lieutenant  T.  E. 
Buckman,  chief  of  ordnance,  rendered  most  valuable  service  during 
the  operations,  and  is  entitled  to  the  highest  praise  for  his  bravery, 
his  skill,  and  his  indefatigable  energy.  Private'  Francis  Sotee,  of 
Captain  West's  company,  first  special  battalion,  commanding  gun 
detachment,  is  justly  entitled  to  distinguished  commendation  for  the 
firmness  with  which,  on  several  different  occasions,  he  stood  by  his 
gun,  under  the  eiiemy's  heavy  and  accurate  fire,  and  for  the  admira- 
ble skill  and  efficienc}'  wiLh  which  he  commanded  his  gun.  Private 
James  Chesnut,  of  Captain  Chambers'  company,  also  deserves  special 
notice,  for  valuable  services  rendered  day  and  night  at  an  exposed 
and  isolated  point  immediately  under  the  enemy's  guns. 

The  Brigadier  General  commanding  congratulates  the  troops  on 
the  result  of  their  labors.  With  small  loss  to  themselves,  they  have 
inflicted  considerable  punishment  on  the  enemy  and  rendered  his 
occupation  of  the  town  fruitless   • 

By  order  of  Brigadier  General  Fiuegan,  commanding. 

W.  CALL,  A.  A.  G. 


BATTLE  OF  BATO>I  ROUGE. 


IlEPOllT  OF  GENERAL  lUlEOKlNKIDGE. 


Hkadquarters  Breckinridge's  Division,      ^ 

Army  of  Tennessee,  > 
Tullahoma,  Tenn.,  April  15,  1863.       ) 

S.  Cooper, 

A.  and  I.  Ge.7icral,  Richmond,  Va.  : 

General:  Early  in  October,  1862,  I  sent  to  Major  General  A^'an 
Doru  my  report  of  the  battle  of  Baton  Ivouge,  together  with  all  the 
subordinate  reports.  Having  heard  that  they  have  not  reached  your 
office,  I  venture,  after  this  length  of  time,  to  send  you  a  copy  of  my 
own  report.  I  have  no  copies  of  those  of  my  subordinate  command- 
ers. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  C.  BRECKINRIDGE, 

Major  General  P.  A.  C.  S. 


Headquarters  Breckinridge's  Division,  ) 
September  3U,  1S62.  \ 

Major  M.  M.  Kimmel,  A.  A.  General  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  operations  of  a  portion  of  my 
division,  recently  ordered  from  Vicksburg  to  camp  Moore  and  Baton 
Rouge,  Louisiana,  by  Major  General  Van  Dorn  : 

I  left  Vicksburg  on  the  27th  of  July,  with  somewhat  less  than  four 
thousand  men,  and  arrived  at  camp  Moore  the  evening  of  the  28th. 
The  Major  General  commanding  the  district  having  received  intelli- 
gence that  the  enemy  was  threatening  camp  Moore  in  force,  the  move- 


204 

ment  was  made  su'ldenly  and  rapidly  by  railroad,  and,  having  but  few 
cars,  nothing  could  be  transported  except  the  troops,  with  their  arms 
and  nramunition. 

Brigadier  General  Charles  Clarke,  who  had  reported  for  duty  a  few 
days  before  our  departure  from  Vicksburg,  promptly  and* kindly 
consented  to  accompany  the  expedition. 

Brigadier  General  Ruggles  ^Yas  already  at  camp  Moore,  in  com- 
mand of  a  small  force,  with  which  he  had  kept  the  enemy  in  check. 
The  troops  were  immediately  organized  in  two  divisions.  General 
Clarke  taking  command  of  the  first,  and  General  Ruggles  of  the  sec- 
ond division.  The  rumor  of  an  advance  of  the  enemy  upon  camp 
Moore  proved  to  be  unfounded. 

On  the  30th  of  July-,  in  obedience  to  a  dispatch  of  the  29th  from 
the  Major  General  C(jn:manding  the  district,  the  troops  were  put  in 
motion  for  Baton  Rouge.  During  the  march,  I-  received  information 
that  the  effective  force, of  the  enemy  was  not  less  than  five  thou- 
sand men,  and  that  the  ground  was  'commanded  by  three  gunboats 
lying  in  the  river.  My  own  troops  having  suffered  severely  from  the 
effects  of  exposure  at  Vicksburg,  from  heavy  rains,  wiihou.  shelter, 
and  from  the  extreme  heat,  did  not  now  number  more  than  thirty-four 
hundred  men.  Under  these  circumstances,  I  determined  not  to  make 
the  attack  unless  we  could  be  relieved  from,  the  fire  of  the  fleet.  Ac- 
cordingly, I  telegrcphed  to  the  Major  General  commariding,  the  con- 
dition and  number  of  the  troops,  and  the  reported  strength  of  the 
enemy,  but  said  I  would  undertake  to  capture  the  garrison  if  the 
"  Arkansas"  could  be  sent  down  to  clear  the  river,  or  divert  the  fire  of 
the  gunboats.  lie  promptly  answered  that  the  *'  Arkansas"  would 
be  ready  to  co-operate  at  daylight  on  Tuesday,  the  5th  of  August, 

On  the  afternoon  of  Monday,  the  4th,  the  command  having 
reached  the  Comite  river,  ten  miles  from  Baton  Rouge,  and  learning 
by  an  express  messenger,  that  the  "  Arkansas"  had  passed  Bayou 
Sara  in  time  to  arrive  at  the  proper  moment,  preparations  were  made 
to  advance  that  night. 

The  sickness  had  been  appalling.  The  morning  report  of  the  4th 
showed  but  three  thousand  effective,  and  deducting  those  taken  sick 
during  the  day,  and  the  number  that  fell  out  from  weakness  on  the 
night  march,  I  did  not  carry  into  the  action  more  than  twenty- six 
hundred  men.  This  estimate  does  not  include  some  two  hundred  par- 
tisan raniiers,  who  had  performed  efficient  service  in  picketing  the 
different  roads,  but  who,  from  the  nature  of  the  ground,  took  no  part 
in  the  action,  nor  about  the  same  number  of  militia,  hastily  collected 
by  Colonel  Hardee,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Clinton,  who,  though  mak- 
ing every  effort,  could  not  arrive  in  titne  to  participate. 

The  command  left  the  Comite  at  eleven  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  reached 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  Baton  Rouge  a  little  before  daybreak  on 
the  morning  of  the  oth.  Some  hours  before  the  main  body  moved,  a 
Bmall  force  of  infantry,  with  a  section  of  Semmes'  battery,  under 
Lieutenant  Fauntleroy,  the  whole  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Shields,  of  the  thirtieth  Louisiana,  was  sent  by  a  circuitous  route  to 
the  road  leading  from  Clinton  to  Baton  Rouge,  with  orders  to  drive  in 


205 

any  pickets  of  the  enemy,  and  attack  his  left  as  soon  as  the  action 
should  begin  in  front.  This  service  was  well  f>erformed — but  for  de- 
tails, reference  is  made  to  the  report  of  Brigadier  General  Rugglcs, 
from  whose  command  the  force  was  detached. 

While  waiting  for  daylight  to  make  the  attack,  an  accident  occurred 
which  deprived  us  of  several  "excellent  officers  and  enlisted  men,  and 
two  pieces  of  artillery. 

The  partizan  rangers  were  placed  in  rear  of  the  artillery  and  in- 
fantry, yet  during  the  darkness  a  few  of  them  leaked  through,  and 
riding  forward  encountered  the  enemy,  causing  exchange  of  shots  be- 
tween the  pickets.  Galloping  back  they  produced  some  confusion, 
which  led  to  rapid  firing  for  a  few  moments,  during  which,  Brigadier 
General  Helm  was  dangerously  injured  by  the  fall  of  his  horse,  Lieu- 
tenant Todd,  his  aid-de-camp,  killed,  Captain  Roberts,  of  the  fourth 
Kentucky,  severely  wounded,  several  enlisted  men  killed  and  wounded, 
and  two  of  Captain  Cobb's  three  guns  rendered,  for  a  time,  wholly 
useless.  After  General  Helm  was  disabled,  Colonel  Thomas  H.  Hunt 
assumed  command  of  his  brigade. 

Order  was  soon  restored,  and  the  force,  placed  in  position  on  the 
right  and  left  of  the  Gretnwell  Springs  road.  I  was  obliged  to  con- 
tent myself  with  a  single  line  of  battle,  and  a  small  regiment  of  in- 
fantry with  one  piece  of  artillery  to  each  division  as  a  reserve.  The 
enemy  (expecting  the  attack)  was  drawn  up  in  two  lines,  or  rather  in 
one  line,  with  strong  reserves  distributed  at  intervals.  At  the  moment 
there  was  light  enough,  our  troops  moved  rapidly  forward,  General 
Ruggles  commanding  the  left,  brought  on  the  engagement  with  four 
pieces  of  Semmcs'  battery,  the  fourth  and  thirtieth  Louisiana,  and 
Boyd's  Louisiana  battalion,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Allen,  of 
the  fourth  Louisiana,  and  the  third,  sixth  and  seventh  Kentucky,  and 
the  thirty  fifth  Alabama,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Thompson, 
of  the  third  Kentucky.  These  troops  moved  forward  with  great  im- 
petuosity, driving  the  enemy  before  them,  while  their  ringing  cheers 
inspired  all  our  little  command.  The  Louisiana  troops  charged  a  bat- 
tery and  captured  two  pieces. 

At  this  point  Colonel  Allen,  commanding  the  brigade,  while  press- 
ing forward  with  the  colors  in  his  hand,  had  both  legs  shattered,  and 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Boyd  received  a  severe  wound.  This  produced 
confusion,  and  the  enemy  at  the  same  moment  throwing  forward  a 
strong  reinforcement,  the  brigade  was  forced  back  in  some  disorder. 
It  was  rallied  by  the  efforts  of  Colonel  Breaux,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Hunter  and  other  officers,  and  although  it  did  not  further  participate 
in  the  assault,  it  maintained  its  position  under  a  fire  from  the  gun- 
boats and  land  batteries  of  the  enemy.  During  this  time  Thompson's 
brigade,  which  composed  the  right  of  Ruggle's  division,  was  behaving 
with  great  gallantry.  After  driving  back  superior  forces,  and  towards 
the  close  of  the  action,  took  part  in  the  final  struggle,  from  a  position 
immediately  on  the  left  of  the  first  divisioij.  Colonel  Thompson  be- 
ing severely  wounded  in  a  charge,  the  command  devolved  upon  Colo- 
nel Robertson,  of  the  thirty-fifth  Alabama,  whose  coiiduct  fully  justi- 
fied the  confidence  of  his  troops. 


206 

The  Louisiana  battery,  Captain  Semines,  was  admirably  handled 
throu<;hout  The  first-  division,  under  General  Clarke,  being  the 
fiecond  brigade  composed  of  the  fourth  and  fifth  Kentucky,  thirty-first 
Mississippi,  arid  fourth  Alabama,  commanded  by  Colonel  Hunt,  of  the 
fifth  Kentucky,  and  the  fourth  brigade,  composed  of  the  fifteenth  and 
twenty-second  Mississippi,  and  the  nintcehth,  twentieth,  twenty-eighth 
and  forty-fifth  Tennessee,  consolidated  into  one  batt;ilion,  commanded 
by  Colonel  Smith,  of  the  twentieth  Tennessee,  together  with  the 
Hudson  battery,  Lieutenant  Sweeny,  and  one  piece  of  Cobb's  battery, 
advanced  to  the  right  of  the  Greenwell  Springs  road. 

On  the  right,  as  on  the  left,  the  enemy  was  constantly  pressed  back, 
until  after  several  hours  of  fighting  he  ^Yas  driven  to  his  last  encamp- 
njent  in  a  large  grove  just  in  rear  of  the  penitentiary.  Here  the 
contest  was  hot  and  obstinate,  and  it  was  here  that  the  first  division 
suffered  the  greatest  loss.  Colonel  Hunt  was  shot  down,  and  upon 
the  fall  of  that  excellent  officer,  at  the  suggestion  of  General  Clark, 
and  with  the  consent  of  the  officers  concerned,  I  placed  Captain  John 
A.  Buckner,  A.  A.  General  on  my  staff,  in  command  of  the  second 
brigade.  In  the  management  of  his  command  he  displayed  so  high  a 
degree  of  skill  and  courage,  that  I  cDmmend  him  especially  to  the 
notice  of  the  Government. 

General  Clark  pressed  the  attack  at  this  point  with  great  vigor  un- 
til he  received  a  wound  which  was  supposed  to  be  mortal,  when  through 
some  misapprehension,  the  brigade  began  to  fall  back  down  the  slope, 
but  without  confusion.  Captain  Buckner,  learning,  upon  inquiry  from 
me  that  I  did  not  desire  a  rctrogade  movement,  immediately,  aided  by 
Major  Wickliffe,  of  the  fifth  Kentucky,  (Lieutenant  Colonel  Caldwell, 
who  was  injured  by  the  accident  of  the  proceeding  night,  having  been 
obliged  to  retire)  and  other  regimental  commanders,  faced  the  brigade 
about  and  renewed  the  attack.  At  the  same  time  Colonel  Smith, 
commanding  the  fourth  brigade,  composed  of  the  consolidated  Ten- 
nessee regiments  and  the  twenty-second  Mississippi,  Captain  Hughes, 
were  ordered  forward,  and  moved  against  the  enemy  in  fine  style.  In 
a  few  moments  Captain  Hughes  received  a  mortal  wound  at  the  head 
of  his  regiment. 

Observing  some  troops  on  the  left,  partiall}'  sheltered  by  a  shallow 
cut  in  the  road,  who  proved  to  be  the  remnant  of  Thompson's  brigade, 
and  out  of  ammunition,  I  ordered  them  to  advance  to  the  support  of 
the  first  division,  with  the  bayonet.  The  order  was  promptly  obeyed, 
and  in  executing  it,  I  happened  to  observe  as  distinguished  lor  alacrity 
Colonel  Crossland,  of  the  seventh  Kentucky,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Goodwin,  of  the  thirty-fifth  Alabama,  and  Lieutenant  Terry,  of  the 
.eighth  Kentucky,  on  duty  with  sharpshooters.  At  this  critical  point. 
Major  Brown,  chief  commissary,  and  Captain  Richards,  one  of  my 
aids,  were  conspicuous  in  urging  on  the  troops.  In  this  assault  we 
suffered  considerably  from  the  fire  of  the  fleet,  until  the  opposing  lines 
approached  each  other  so  closely  that  a  regard  for  their  own  friends 
obliged  them  to  s.uspend. 

The  contest  &t  and  around  this  last  encampment  was  bloody,  but 
at  the  end  of  it,  the  enemy  were  completely  routed,  some  of  our  men 


207 

pursuing  and  firing  at  them  some  distance  down  the  street,  running 
in  front  of  the  arsenal  and  barracks.  They  did  not  reappear  during 
the  day.  It  was  now  ten.  o'clock.  We  had  listened  in  vain  fqr  the 
guns  of  the  ''Arkansas."  I  saw  around  me  not  more  than  one  thou- 
sand exhausted  men,  who  had  been  unable  to  procure  water  since  we 
had  left  the  Comite  river ;  the  enemy  had  several  batteries  com- 
manding the  approaches  to  the  arsenal  and  barracks;  and  the  gun- 
boats had  already  reopened  upon  us  with  a  direct  fire.  Under  these 
circumstances,  although  the  troops  showed  the  utmost  indifference  to 
danger  and  death,  and  were  even  reluctant  to  retire,  I  did  not  deem  it 
prudent  to  pursue  the  victory  further.  Having  scarcely  any  trans- 
portation, 1  ordered  all  the  camps  and  stores  of  the  enmy  to  be  de- 
stroyed ;  and  directing  Captain  Buckner  to  place  one  section  of 
Semmes'  battery,  supported  by  the  seventh  Kentucky,  in  a  certain 
position  on  the  field,  withdrew  the  rest  of  the  troops  about  one  mile, 
to  Ward's  crecK,  with  the  hope  of  obtaining  water.  But  finding  none 
there  fit  for  man  or  beast,  I  moved  the  command  back  to  the  field  of 
battle,  and  procured  a  very  imperfect  supply  from  some  cisterns  in 
the  suburbs|of  the  town.  This  position  we  occupied  for  the  rest  of 
day.  The  citizens  of  the  surrounding  and  thinly  settled  country, 
exhibited  the  warmest  patriotism  ;  and  with  their  assistance,  convey- 
ances enough  were  procured  to  carry  off  all  our  wounded  who  could 
bear  removal.  A  few  citizens,  armed  with  shot-guns  and  other 
weapons,  had  been  able  to  reach  the  field  in  time  to  join  in  the  attack. 
Having  neither  picks  nor  shovels,  we  were  unable  to  dig  graves  for 
the  burial  of  the  dead. 

I  still  hoped  for  the  co-operation  of  the  "Arkansas,"  and  in  that 
event,  intended  to  renew  the  attack.  But  late  in  the  afternoon,  I 
learned  by  express,  that  before  daylight,  and  within  four  miles  of 
Baton  liouge,  the  machinery  had  become  disabled,  and  she  lay  helpless 
on  the  right  bank  of  the  river.  Upon  receiving  this  intelligence,  I 
returned  with  my  command  to  the  Comite  river,  leaving  a  force  of 
observation  near  the  suburbs  of  the  town.  The  Hudson  battery. 
Lieutenant  Sweeney,  and  Cobb's  one  piece,  under  charge  of  Sergeant 
Frank  Peak,  played  their  part  well. 

I  am  unable  to  give  the  exact  force  of  the  enemy,  but  hy  compar- 
ing all  my  information  with  the  number  and  size  of  their  camps,  and 
the  extent  and  weight  of  their  fire,  I  do  not  think  they  brought  into 
action  less  than  forty-five  hundred  men.  We  had  eleven  pieces  of 
field  artillery.  They  brought  to  bear  on  us  not  less  than  eighteen 
pieces,  exclusive  of  the  guns  of  the  fleet.  In  one  respect  the  contrast 
between  the  opposing  forces  was  very  striking.  The  enemy  were 
well  clothed ;  and  their  encampments  showed  the  presence  of  every 
comfort,  and  even  luxury.  Our  men  had  little  transportation,  indif- 
ferent food,  and  no  shelter.  Half  of  them  had  no  coats  ;  and  hundreds 
■were  without  either  shoes  or  socks.  Yet  no  troops  ever  behaved  with 
greater  gallantly,  and  even  reckless  audacity.  What  can  make  this 
difi^erence,  unless  it  be  the  sublime  courage  inspired  J)y  a  just  cause? 

The  wound  of  Brigadier  General  Clark  being  thought  mortal,  and 
the  least  motion  causing  great  agony,  he  was  left  on  the  field,  in  a 


208 

comfortable  cottage,  at  his  own  request;  his  aid,  Lieutenant  Yerger, 
remaining  with  him.  The  next  morning  they  gave  themselves  up  to 
the  enemy.  I  cannot  speak  in  terms  too  strong  of  the  skill,  coolness, 
antl  courage  of  General  Clark.  He  played  the  part  of  a  perfect  sol- 
dier. 

Brigadier  General  Ruggles  conducted  the  attack  on  the  left  with 
uncommon  rapidity  and  precision,  and  exhibited  throughout  tlie  qual- 
ities of  a  brave  and  experienced  officer. 

In  addition  to  the  officers  ol  my  staff  already  mentioned.  I  desire  to 
express  vlj  acknowledgment  of  the  zeal  and  gallantry  of  Major  Wil- 
son, chief  of  artillery;  Major  Hope,  inspector  general,  whose  horse 
■was  shot  under  him;  Captain  Nocquet,  chief  of  cngineeis;  Lieu 
tenant  Breckinridge,  aid-de^camp,  and  Dr.  Pendleton,  medical  direc- 
tor, assisted  by  Dr.  Weatherly,  on  temporary  service.  A  number  of 
gentlemen  from  Louisiana  and  elsewhere,  rendered  effic^nt  service  as 
volunteers,  among  whom  wer3  Lieutenant  Colonel  Pinkney,  Mr.  Ad- 
dison, and  Captain  Bird,  of  Louisiana;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Brewer, 
of  Kentucky,  and  Mr.  William  B.  Hamilton,  of  Mississippi.  The 
thanks  of  the  army  are  also  iue  to  Hon.  Thomas  G.  Davidson,  for  his 
attention  to  the  hospitals;  and  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  that  part  of 
Louisiana,  for  their  devotion  to  our  sick  and  wounded.  Colonel  Pond 
and  ^Lljor  De  Baura,  in  command  of  partizan  rangers,  were  efficient, 
before  and  after  the  battle,  in  observing  and  harassing  the  enemy. 

The  inability  of  General  Clark,  and  ^failure  of  several  officers,  to 
"make  reports,  may  prevent  full  justice  to  the  conduct  of  the  first 
division.  Any  omission  here  will,  when  brought  to  my  notice,  be 
embodied  in  a  supplemental  report.  The  report  of  General  Ruggles 
is  very  full,  as  to  -all  that  occurred  on  the  left.  I  send  herewith  a 
list  of  the  officers  and  men  specially  mentioned  in  the  division, 
brigade,  and  regimental  reports,  for  gallant  conduct,  with  the  request 
that  it  be  published,  and  the  names  brought  to  the  favorable  notice  of 
the  Government.  ■  I  transmit,  also,  the  reports  of  the  subordinate 
commanders,  and  the  returns  of  the  killed  and  wounded.  It  will  bo 
seen  that  our  casualties  amounted  to  four- hundred  and  sixty-seven. 
I  have  reason  to  believe  that  tl\e  loss  of  the  enemy  was  much 
grcat'er-  We  captured  two  flags  and  a  few  prisoners.  Nothing  was 
left  by  us  e?.cept  one  caisson,  which  was  so  much  injured  as  to  be 
wholly  unserviceable — one  of  the  enemy's  being  taken  in  its  place. 
After  the  battle,  the  enemy,  who  had  previously  been  plundering, 
burning  houses  and  other  property,  stealing  negroes,  and  seizing  citi- 
zens through  a  large  region  of  country,  never  ventured  to  send  out 
another  marauding  force.  Our  pickets  continued  to  extend  to  the 
immediate  vicinity  of  Baton  Rouge;  and  very  soOn  the  enemy  aban- 
doned the  place,  and  retired  to  New  Orleans.  A  few  daysufter  the 
engagement,  knowing  the  desire  of  the  Major  General  commanding  to. 
secure  a  strong  position  on  the  Mississippi,  below  the  mouth  otRed  river, 
occupied  Port  lludson,  with  a  portion  of  the  troops  under  the  com- 
mand of  Brigadier  General  Ruggles.  The  next  day  I  received  orders 
to  remove  all  the  troops  to  that  point.  Brigadier  General  Bowen, 
who  had  just  arrived,  was  left  with  his  command  on  the  Comite  river, 


209 

to  observe  Baton  Rouge  from  that  quarter,  to  protect  our  hospitals, 
and  to  covec  the  line  of  communication  between  Clinton  and  Camp 
Moore. 

I  directed  General  Rugglcs  to  select  eligi^e  positions  at  Port  Hud- 
son for  heavy  batteries ;  and  ordered  Captain  Nocquet,  chief  of  en- 
gineers, to  report  to  him  temporarily  for  this  duty.  Upon  my  arrival 
there,  I  found  that  rapid  progress  had  been  made,  and  some  of  the 
works,  under  charge  of  Captain  Nocquct,  were  ready  to  receive  the 
guns,  which,-  the  Major  General  commanding  wrote  Tue,  were  on  tho 
way. 

Port  Hudson  is  one  of  the  strongest  points  on  the  Mississippi  river, 
(which  Baton  Rouge  is  not,)  and  batteries  there  will  command  the 
river  more  completely  than  at  Vicksburg. 

On  the  iDth  clay  of  August,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  the  hrad-« 
quarters  of  the  department,  I  moved  from  Port  Hudson,  for  Jackson, 
Mississippi,  with  a  portion  of  the  force,  leaving  Brigadier  General 
Rugglcs  m  command,  with troops. 

In  concluding  this  repcrt,  I  have  to  express  my  obligations  for  the 
prompt  and  cordial  support  which  I  received,  at  all  tiaies,  from  tho 
Major  General  commanding  the  department. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

JOHN  C.  BRECKINRIDGE,. 
Major  General. 

I  omitted, to  mention  that  the  fifteenth  Mississippi,  Major  Binford, 
was  not  brought  into  action.  This  admirable  regiment,  much  re- 
duced by  long  and  gallant  Bervice,  was  held  in  reserve. 

JOHN  C,  BRECKINRIDGE, 
14  Major  General. 


OPERATIONS  IN  TRANS-MISSISSIPPI. 


KEPORT  or  OENEUAL  HINDMAN. 


Headquarters  Troops  IxN  the  Field,  ^ 

Camp    on  Mulberry  Creek,,  V 

On  Van  Buren  and  Clarksville  Head,  November  3,  1862.  ) 

Major  General  T.  II.  H.oi.mejj, 

.  Commnndins;  Trans -Mississippi  Department : 

General  :  My  recent  letters,  having  been  written  hastily,  do  not 
present  as  connected  a  statement  of  events  in  this  region  as  may  be 
desired.  I  therefore  address  you  this,  as  a  more  complete  report.  It, 
hgvrever,  -will  be  to  some  extent  deficient,  from  the  fact  that  I  have 
utterly  failed,  notwithstanding  many  efforts,  to  get  full  reports  from 
Brigadier  General  Raines  and  Brigadier  General  Cooper.  On 
August  2Jth,  I  assumed  command  at  Fort  Smith.  Our  troops  then 
held  the  line  of  the  Boston  mountains  as  far  west  as  that  place,  and 
the  line  of  the  Arkansas  river  thence  wesj;wiird.  The  country  above, 
•in  north\Yest  Arkansas  and  the  Cherokee  nation,  was  overrun  by  ma- 
rauding parties  of  jayhowkers,  tories  and  hostile  Indians,  and  was 
fast  being  depopulated.  The  country  adjacent  to  Qur  line  was  almost 
wholly  exhausted  of  subsistence  and  forage.  Our  force  was  about 
twenty-five  thousand  armed  white  infantry,  about  three  thousand  six 
hundred  armed  white  cavah\y,  and  an  unknown  tiumber  of  Indian 
cavalry,  estimated  at  about  three  thousand  armed  men.  There  were 
fourteen  pieced' of  artillery.  The  small  arms  s'carcely  deserved  the 
name.  There  was  very  little  camp  equipage.  I  pushed  forward  our 
troops  from  Fort  Gibson  and  Fort  Sinith  and  occupied  a  line  corre- 
sponding to  the  north  boundary  of  Arkansas,  posting  the  infantry 
and  eight  pieces  of  artillery  at  Elkhorn  ;  five  hundred  white  cavalry 
thirty  miles  east,  on  the  road  from  Carrolton  to  Springfield  ;  one 
thousand  five  hundred  white  cavalry  and  .two  pieces  of  artillery 
twen,ty  miles  west,  near  Pineville,  upon  the  road  by  Mount  Vernon 


0.  1  -T* 


to  SpringfioM  ;  one  thousaul  white  cavalrj  and  Cour.  pieces  of  artil- 
lery twenty  miles  further  west,  at  Elk  mills,  oa  tlie  road  to  Fort 
Scott;  and  the  Indian  troops  twelve  miles  west  of  that  at  Cirey'a 
ferry,  coveririg  the  road*  from  Fort  Scott  into  \\\c  Creek  country. 
There  were  good  cross  roads  between  these  positions.  Elkhoni  is 
very  strong,  and  the  same  range  of  hills  extended  along  the  entire 
line. 

Our  pickets  and  outpests  were  thrown  out  "to  Carville,  Newtonia, 
Neosho,  and  a  point  west  of  that  on  Grand  river.  Bohind  our  line, 
in  Missouri  and  Arkansas,  there  was  ample  subsistence  and.  forage 
for  double  our  force  for  perhaps  ninety  days,  and  nramy  good  mills.  I 
posted,  also,  at  Talguah,  in  the  Cherokee  N-^tion,  a  battalion  of  white 
cavalry,  and  authorized  a  home  guard  compan}'  of  citizens  in  each  of 
the  nine  districts  or  townsliip3  for  maintaining  order  in  that  country. 

I 'established  a  camp  of  instruction  for  recruits  at  Elm  Springs, 
about  twenty-five  miles  below  Elkhorn,  on  thg  road  to  Fuyettcville, 
and  collected  there  about  four  thousand  unacmed  Arkansas  and  Mis- 
souri infantry.  On  September  10th,  under  orders  from  department 
headquarters,  I  left  Pincville  for  Little  Rock.  The  <  oiuui.iu  1  thas 
devolved  on  Brigadier  General  Raines.  I  instruct-ed  him,  in  writing, 
to  make  no  aggressive  movement,  but,  if  assailed,  tj  bold  the  line 
occupied  as  long  as  practicable.  On  October  loth  I  roturn-'<l  to  Fort 
Smith,  where  I  learned  from  rumor  that  our  troopi  had  recircd  to  the 
vicinity  of  Faycftevillo,  before  a  Federal  force  estimated  at  from 
fifteen  to  twenty  thousand.  Next  day  I  started  to  Fayetteville. 
Upon  arriving  there  I  learned  that  General  Raines,  with  th.^  armed 
infantry,  one  regiment  of  Arkansas  cavalry,  and  eight  pieces  of  artil- 
lery, was  in  camp  two  miles  west  of  "Huntsvilje,  on  the  road  to 
Elkhorn;  that  three  regiments  of  Missouri  cavalry  and  two  pieces  of 
artillery,  under  Colonel  Shelby,  were  four  miles  nearer  Elkhorn,  on 
the  same  road  ;  that  four  regiments  of  Texas  cavalry,  under  Colon?.! 
Bass,  were  at  IIolciMub's,  nine  miles  above  Fayetteville,  on  the  road 
to  Elkhorn  ;  that  the  Indian  troops  and  two  white  cavalry  battalions, 
with  four  pieces  of  artillery,  had  gone  west  towards  Maysville,  on  the 
Cherokee  line;  and  that  the  unarmed  infantry  were  at  McGuire's, 
about  ten  miles  south  of  Fayetteville,  on  the  road  to  Ozark. 

Putting  myself  o.s  soon  as  possible  in  commuuicaUon  with  Colonel 
Bass,  I  was  informed  by  him  that  the  enemy,  in  great  strength,  was 
pressmg  steadily  upon  him;  that  he  was  apprehensive  of  being  sur- 
rounded, and  w.as  retiring  upon  Ilunt^ville.  Ho  seemed  alarmed,  and 
his  troops  greatly 'disorgatuzed.  I  had  with  me  Colonel  Bradfute, 
whom  you  had  ordered  to  report  to  me  as  a  caval.y  officer,  and  I 
directed  him  to  g^  forward  at  once,  assume  command  of  the  force 
under  Colonel  Bass,  get  it  in  shape  as  well  a:;  practicable,  and  offer 
as  stubborn  resistance  as  he  could,  communicating  with  General 
Raines  by  courier,  and  with  me.  I  then  endeavored  to  find  some 
means  for  removing  our  sick  from  the  Fayetteville  hosp it  1,  but  found 
none,  and  had  to  leave  them — placing  there,  however,  subsistence  for 
thirty  days,  and  leavjng  a  surgeon  in  charge.  •  I  at  ilic  same  time 
ordered  Captain  Sparks,  division  provost  marshal,  to  call  out  al)  the 


213 

independent  cotiipanics  of  his  comnnand,  embracing  some  ten  or  twelve 
countfes,  to  harass  the  enemy  if  he  should  move  southward ;  and 
directed  my  chief  quartermaster  to  be  in  readiness  to  remove  tho 
public  stores  from  Fort  Smith,  in  case  it  shouki  become  necessary, 

I  then  proceeded  to  the  camp  of  the  unarmed  men,  ordered  them 
across  the  mountains  towards  Ciarksville,  and,  after  they  had  marched. 
Started  to  Huntsville,  where  I  arrive<l  during  the  nio^ht  of  the  19th. 
Genersil  Raines  informed  me  that  he  had  retired  from  Elkhorn  because 
Satisfied  that  a  Federal  force  of  from  fifteen  to  twenty  thDusand  was 
moving  upon  him,  and  that  he  had  reported  the  fact  immediately,  ad- 
dressing me  at  Little  Rock.  Afterwards  this  report  came  to  me,  and 
was  for^v.irded  t'o  you.  General  Raines  also  informed  me  that  the 
Indian  troops,  under  Brigadier  General  Cooper,  refused  to  retire  in 
the  direction  of  Fayettcville,  and  that  he  had  therefore  ordered  thera 
town  ids  the  Cluirokee  line,  and  thence  into  Kansas.  I  sent  an  Order 
to  General  Cooper  at  once  to  the  same  cifect,  but  it  did  not  reach. him 
in  time. 

I  believed  then,  and  am  now  certain,  that  he  might  have  made  a 
diversion  in  Kansas  with  impunity.  But  his  command  scattered 
when  they  reached  Maysville,  and  on  the  23d  was  completely  routed, 
and  the  battery  taken  by  the  enemy.  General  Cooper  at  the  time  was 
sick.      I  have  heretofore  forwarded  his  report  upon  the  subject. 

I  also  sent  an  order  to  Colonel  Burbridge,  comtnanding  a  Missor.ri 
cavalry  brigade- near  Tittman's  ferry,  Arkansas,  to  move  rapidly  upon 
Rolla,  retiring  when  compelled,  in  the  direction  of  Yellville.  I  placed 
General  Rjvines  in  command  of  the  two  brigades  of  Texan  and  Mis- 
souri cavalry,  v.ith  instructions  to  concentrate  his  force  in  front  of 
the  enemy's  main  body,  and  resist  his  advance  to  the  last  moment, 
scouting  to  the  right  and  left  towards  Huntsville  and  Maysville. 
The  infantry  brigade,  with  one  regiment  of  Arkansas  cavalry,  I  retired, 
to  a  point  twenty-one  miles  south,  Avhere  the  roads  come  together  go- 
ing from  Huntsville  and  Fayettcville  to  Ozark.  This  was  necessary 
because  the  men  had  no  subsistence  except  beef,  and  conld  get  none 
in  the  country  ;  because  they  had  only  about  ten  rounds  of  ammuni- 
tion, and  could  only  get  more  from  below;  and  because  the  enemy 
might  readily  get  in  their  rear  by  a  rapid  march  by  way  of  Fayettia- 
ville  to  the  point  I  was  retiring  to. 

I  reached  the  point  indicated  on  the  22d  On  that  day  I  approved 
the  resignation  of  Brigadier  General  Raines,  and  relieved  him  of  duty, 
he  having  been  intoxicated.  I  also  on  the  same  day,  and  for  the  same 
cause,  arrested  Colonel  Coifee,  commanding  a  regiment  of  Missouri 
cavalry;  alsOj  upon  charges  of  cowardice,  preferred  by  Gener<al 
Cooper,  I  arrested  Colonel  Stevens,  commanding  a  regiment  of  Texas 
cavalry  ;  and  likewise  for  retiring  without  sufficient  cause,  I  arrested 
Colonel  Bass,  but  subsequently  returned  him  to  duty. 

1  placed  Brigadier  General  Marmaduke  in  command  of  the  two 
cavalry  brigades  of  Shelby  and  Bradfate.  The  latter  fell  sick  and 
^elinq^i^ihed  his  Command  without  reporting  the  fact  to  me,  and  I  di- 
rected General  Marmaduke  to  put  any  competent  man  in  command  of 
the  Texan  regiment,  without  regard  to  rank.     He  assigned  Colonel  J 


214 

L,  Craven,  late  A.  A.  General  of  General  Raines,  to  tUat  position,  and 
I  am  satisfied  made  a  most  excellent  selection.  Since  then  the  Tex- 
ans  have  behaved  far  better  than  before,  but  they  arc  worthless  as 
cavalry,  and  I  have  ordered  them  to  be  dismounted  and  their-  ponies 
sent  to  Texas.  These  four  regiments  have  about  men  enough  for  two 
regiments  of  infantry.     I  ask  leave  to  consolidate  them. 

On  the  22d,  a  Federal  force,  reported  at  from  eiglit  to  ten  tliousahd, 
under  Generals  Schofield  and  Brown,  entered  Iluntsville.  having  evi- 
dently learned  the  exact  whereabouts  of  General  Raine';?  late  camp. 
Thcir-advanco  was  resisted  by  Shelby's  brigade;  several  killetl,  and 
General  Schofield's  cook  captured.  He  has  been  sent  to  your  head- 
quarters. Shelby  fell  back  about,  four  miles  and  prepared  to  fi^ht, 
but  that  night  the  enemy  was  seized  with  a  panic  and  retreated  rap- 
idly towards  Ilolcombe^s.  Colonel  McRae's  brigade  of  Arkansas  in- 
fantry, v.  ith  Woodruff's  baitery,  about  two  thousand  •  five  hundred 
strong,  camped  twelve  miles  south  of  me  on  the  22d. 

On  the  "SGth,  I  ordered  Brigadier  General  Parsons  to  move  with  all 
his  effective  force  from  Yellville  to  my  caicp.  I  had  previously  noti- 
fied him  to  accumulate  supplies,  so  as  to  be  in  readiness  for  that  move- 
ment. On  the  same  day  1  moved  towards  Fayetteville,  intending  to 
take  position  at  McGuire's  store,  which  would  enable  mo  to  get  sub- 
sistence and  forage  for  a  few  days,  there  being  considerable  wheat  and 
forage,  and  two  ruills  in  that  vicinity.  That  position  discovers  the 
Frog  BayTju  road  from  Fayetteville  to  Van  Buron.  I  had  previously 
concentrated  Marmaduke's  cavalry  division  at  McGuire's,  and  posteii 
Carroll's  Arkansas  cavalry  regiment  at  Iluntsville,  to  maak  Parsons' 
movements,  and  protect  my  right. 

When  within  five  miles  of  McGuire's,  General  Marmaduke  notified 
me  that  he  was  then  engaging  the  enemy,  who  was  advancing  upon 
.the  Fayelteville  and  Ozark  road.  I  halted  tlie  command  in  a  strong 
position,  and  immediately,  in  person,  went  forward  toward  McGuire's. 
In  the  meantime  the  cavalry  had  been  met  about  three  miles  by  a 
largely  superior  forc^,  and  the  enemy'Still  threatening  it  in  front,  was 
evidently  attempting  to  cut  off  its  retreat,  moving  strong  boilies  of 
troops  of  all  arms  upon  its  right,  towards  Iluntsville,  and  its  \ef% 
upon  a  by-road  that  leals  fr(.m  the  Frog  Bayou  road  into,  the  Fayette- 
ville and  Ozark  road,  in  rear  of  the  position  it  held,  and,  in  fact,  in 
rear  of  the  position  at  which  I  had  posted  the  infantry.  There  was 
not  time  for  the  infantry  to  move  up,  and  if  there  had  been  the  com- 
munication for  one  brigade  was  yet  a  day's  march  in  rear,  and  1  had 
subsistence  once  only  ibr  one  day  at  half  rations. 

The  mills  which  I  had  hoped  to  get  into  possession,  were  lost  to 
mo  when  the  enemy  reached  xMoGuire's.  If  I  had  moved  forward, 
or  even  remaine<l  where  I  was,  it  was  evident  that  the  whole  com- 
mand would  be  exposed  precisely  as  the  cavalry  were  exposed. 

i  could  not  reasonably  hope  to  make  a  stand  successfully,  beyond 
the  point  the  Iluntsville  and  Fayetteville  roads  converge.  I  could  not 
even  remain  there,  because  of  the  utter  lack  of  supplies.  Even  if 
supplies  had  reached  me,  and  I  had  remained  at  this  last  position, 
Fort  Smith,  Van  Buren,  and  the  entire  Indian  country  would  be  -wholly 


215 

• 

at  the  merey  of  the  enemy.     I  therefoye  ordered  Marmadufce's  cavalry 

division,  guided  by  reliable  citizens,  to  move  rapidly  across  the  moun- 
tains, upon  the  shortest  route,  without  baggage,  and -take  position  in 
froat  of  Van  Buren  and  Fort  Smith,  to  resist  any  advance  upon  the 
Fayetteville  and  Ozark  road,  and  foUow.ed  after  with  the  infantry  and 
artillery,  marching  as  rapidly  as  the  difficult  mountain  roads  would 
allow,  with,  the  intention  to  get  in  the  enemy's  front,  south  of  the. 
mountains,  as  I  had  failed'to  dofso  above.  That  intention  is  now  car- 
ried out. 

I  am  in  camp  on  the  telegi'aph  road  from  Clarksville  to  Van  Buren, 
at  the  crossing  of  Mulberry  river,  twenty-six  miles  from  Fort  Smith, 
twenty-two  miles  south  of  Van  Buren,  with  a  direct  road  leading  into 
the  Frog  Bayou  road  between  Fayetteville  and  Van  Buren  ;  the  dis- 
tance to  Fayetteville  is  about  fifty-five  miles.  Jieyond  this  point, 
until  supplies  are  accumulated,  it  is  not  possible  to  subsist  the  troops 
I  have  with  me.  JMarmaduke's  division  is  in  the  position  assigned  it, 
in  front  of  Van  Buren  and  Fort  Smith.  Carroll's  regiment  of  Ar- 
kansas cavalry,  is  camped  where  the  road  from  York  to  Huntsville 
and  Fayetteville  cross  Mulberry  rirer,  picketing  towards  those  points, 
and  keeping  open  communication  with  Geneiab  Parsons,  who  is  ad- 
vancing here  upon  a  road  not  intersected  by  any  on  which  the  enemy 
can  move.  I  intend  ordering  Carroll,  with  Arkansas  cavalry  and 
Siemp's  light  battery,  to  Balfour,  (marked  Mt.  Pioaeant  on  the  map,) 
in  Carroll  county,  Arkansas,  as  soon  as  practicable. 

The  enemy  to-day  is  reported  retiring,  and  I  have  accurate  infor- 
mation that  our  advance,  umV.r  Colonel  McDonald,  of  the  provost 
marshalTs  department,  is  m  Fayetteville.  If  this  tuins  out  to  be 
true,  and  ]  can  in  any  way  manage  to  subsist  the  troops  and  forage 
the  animals,  which  will  be  impossible  unless  aid  is  given  me  from  be- 
low, I  shall  be  able  soon  to  organize  this  foice  and  make  it  effective. 
At  yrepcnt  it  is  the  reverse,  though* the  material  is  generally  remark- 
ably good.  With  the  cavalry  I  shall  be  able,  I  hope,  speedily  to  clear 
the  Cherokee  county  of  the  hostile  Indians  now  infesting  it,  and  to 
restore  things  in  this  region  of  country,  to  the  condition  in  which  I 
left  them  on  the  IDth  of  September. 

Affairs  are  now  almost  precisely  as  they  were  when  I  came  to  Fort 
Smith  on  August  24th.  The  arms  and  ammunition  you  are  sending 
me  will  be  a  great  help.  I  need  also  clothing,  blankets,  shoes,  socks 
and  hats,  for  ten  thousand  men.  The  supply  already  received  leaves 
a  great  many  destitute,  and  in  real  suffering.  The  addition  of  a  good 
division  of  infantry,' with  two"batteries,i  will  make  me  strong  enough 
to  take  Springfield  and  winter  upon  Osage  at  least.  That  would  give 
me  perhaps  twenty  thousand  Missouri  recruits.  If  there  were  arms 
provided  for  that  number,  and  I  could  announce  it,  I  feel  confident  the 
men  would  be  forthcoming.  That  would  enable  me  to  maintain  my- 
self during  the  winter,  and  to  push  forward  in  the  spring.  It  will  be 
difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to!operate  in  Missouri  between  the  first  of 
January  and  the  last  of  April. 

I  have  assigned  Brigadier  General  Roane  to  the  command  of  the 
troops  in  the  Indian  Territory,  and  directed  him  to  organize  them  and 


216 

• 

make  them  effective  as  soon  as  possible.  I  sent  voa  yesterday,  a 
copy  of  my  letter  of  instructions  to  him.  The  only  policy  under 
heaven  by  which  we  can  have  order,  decency  and  quiet  in  the  Indian 
country,  is  that  of  dismounting  the  entire  Indian  force  and  most  if 
not  all  the  white  force  ;  all  troops  become  worthless  there,  but  cavalry 
much  more  so  than  infantry. 

If  I  had  a  capable  engineer  officer  and  eufficient  artillery  I  would 
constiuct  a  strong  fortification  at  Gibson  and  at  the  commanding 
points  near  the  Kansas  border.  I  would  also  fortify  all  the  passes  of 
the  Boston  mountains,  confident  that  as  long  as  we  hold  these  passes 
our  control  over  the  Indian  Territory  would  remain  unbroken.  I  beg 
to  urge  this  upon  your  attention.  These  fortifications  being  con- 
structed, and  manned  by  one  brigade  of  white  infantry  and  one  brigade 
of  Indian  infantry,  would  be  ample  to  hold  them  and  the  Indian 
country  against  any  force  the  enemy  could  bring  against  them.  The 
cavalry  duty  required  could  be  performed  by  the  provost  marshal Ts 
compiinies  just. as  well  and  far  more  cheaply  than  by  the  "immenee 
mass  of  wandering,  unorganized,  and  worthless  cavalry  that  has  so  long 
cursed  the  country. 

My  view^s  upon  the  subject  have  undergone  a  complete  change  since 
I  first  began  to  command  east  of  the  Mississippi.  I  then  thought  the 
force  to  be  employed  among  the  Indians  should  be  almost  exclusively 
mounted.  My  opinion  is  precisely  the  reverse.  Another  modification 
of  our  policy  ought  to  be  made.  The  superintendencies,  agencies, 
&c. ,  should  be  abolished,  and  a  purely  military  establishment  substi- 
tuted. Infinite  disorder,  swindling  and  rascality  would  thus  be  stopped. 
With  such  a  man  as  Brigadier  General  Cleburne  in  command  of  the 
Indian  Territory,  and  this  system  adopted,  an  immensely  beneficial 
change  would  soon  be  wrought,  and  it  would  be  permanent. 

Respectfully, 

T.  Ct  HINDMAN, 
Major  General  commanding. 


BAHLE  NEAR  FAYETTEYII.LE. 


REPOllT  OF  GENERAL   HINDMAN. 


Hkalquarters  First  Corps,  Trans-Mississipp[  Army,  ) 
Camp  mar  Fort  Smiih,  Dec.  25,  1862.       \ 

Lieut.  Colonel  S.  S.  Anderson,  A.  A.  Gmeral, 

Trans- Mississippi  Department : 

Colonel:  I  marched  from  near  Yan  Duren,  on  the  3rd  instant, 
with  nine  thousand  infantry,  two  thousand  cavalry,  and  twenty-two 
pieces  of  artillery.  Lack  of  f^hoes  and  arms  prevented  me  from  taking 
my  entire  force.  My  intention  was  to  attack  Brigadier  General 
Blount,  on  Cave  hill,  reported  to  have  between  seven  and  eight  thou- 
sand men  and  thirty  cannon.  I  expected,  as  stated  at  the  time  in  dis- 
patches to  headquarters,  to  return  immediately  after  the  engagement, 
having  barely  ammunition  enough  for  one  battle,  and  not  sufficient 
subsistence  and  forage  for  seven  dajs,  at  half  rations.  These  meagre 
supplies  had  been  accumulated  with  extreme  difficulty  by  haulincr  in 
"wagons  of  the  general  train  and  regiments,  eighty  miles,  my  trans- 
portation being  very  limited,  the  country  around  me  entirely  ex- 
hausted, and  the  river  too  low  for  navigation.  These  facts  had  made 
it  certain  that  I  must  soon  retire  the  greater  part  of  my  force  towards 
Little  Rock  ;  hence  it  seemed  important  for  the  security  of  what  was 
to  be  left,  that  Blount  should  be  driven  from  his  position. 

Cave  hill  is  a  ridge  of  perhaps  eight  miles  length  and  five  miles 
width,  in  the  southwest  part  of  Washington  county,  Arkansas,  just 
beyond  the  north  base  of  the  Boston  mountains.  Three  villages  are 
built  upon  It,  Russellville,  Boonesbo^o'  and  Newburg,  which  almost 
blend  with  each  other,  covering  a  distance,  as  the  road  to  Fayetteville 
runs,  6f .  thrle  or  four  miles.  The  enemy's  main  body  was  about 
Newburg.     The  distance  from  Van  Buren  to  Newburg  is  forty-five 


216 

•jiiles.  The  intermediate  country  is  a  rugged  and  sterile  Fanc^e  of 
:uouutaius.  The  roads  across  it  are  gathered  to^i-ther  at  Van  Buren 
on  ilie  soutli  side,  and  ;vt  Fayetteville  on  the  northern.  These  places 
are  from  fifty  to  i;i.xty-five  miles  apart,  according  to  llie  route  travelled. 
There  are  four  principal  roads,  one  bends  to  the  right  and  east  with 
the  valley  of  Frog  bayou,  crosses  the  mountains,  then  follows  the 
west  fork  of  White  river,  and  strikes  Fayetteville  from  the  southeast. 
Another,  known  as  the  Telegraph  road,  proceeds  for  the  most  pirt  upon 
ridges  directly  north.  The  third  leaves  the  Telegraph  roaii  twelve 
miles  above  Van  Buren,  runs  along  the  Cherokee  line  to  Evansville, 
and  there  branches  through  the  Cave  hill  country  to  Fayetteville,  its 
main  trunk  going  north  by  Cincinnati  and  Maysville  to  Fort  Scott.  The 
fourth  turns  to  the  left  from  the  Telegraph  road  at  Oliver's,  nineteen 
miles  abovQ  Van  Buren,  follows  the  valley  of  Cave  creek  to  the  foot 
af  the  mountains,  and  after  crossing  passes  through  a  succession  of 
lii  i'.les,  valleys  and  prairies,  reaching  Fayetteville  from  a  southwest- 
erly direction.  At  i\Iorrow"s,  fifteen  miles  above  Oliver's,  the  Cav.e 
creek  read  sends  a  branch  direct  to  Newburg,  seven  miles  distant. 
Eight  miles  above  Morrow's,  it  is  crossed  by  a  road  leading  from  Hog 
Eye,  five  miles  ea^^t  on  the  Telegraph  road  to  New  burg.  Two  miles 
beyond  this  it  sends  a  branch 'by  Ray's  mill  to  Maysville,  which  crosses 
the  Cave  hill  and  Fayetteville  road  at  the  distance  of  two  miles  from 
the  Cave  creek  road.  The  crossing  is  seven  miles  and  a  half  from 
Newburg,  and  twelve  miles  and  a  half  from  Fayetteville.  Two  miles 
and  a  half  above  this  crossing,  the  Cave  creek  road  and  the  Cave  hill 
and  Fayetteville  road  unite.  There  is  a  road  from  I^ewburgby  Ray's 
mill  to  this  junction,  the  distance  by  that  route  being  about  two  miles 
orreatcr.  The  accompanying  map  may  serve  to  make  this  de&cription 
more  intelligible. 

Marmaduke's  cavalry  divi.siou  formed  my  advance,  moving  on  the 
Telegraph  road,  with  detachments  on  those  east  and  west  of  it.  Col- 
onel Watie's  Cherokee  regiment  was  ordered  to  the  vicinity  of  Evans- 
ville, instructed  when  tlie  firing  phouhl  commence  to  move  forward  and 
occupy  certain  mills  in  the  Cave  hill  region,  and  to  attack  the  enemy's 
^rain,  if  it  retired  toward  Cincinnati.  The  balance  of  my  force  moved 
on  the  Telegraph  road  and  bivouacked  at  Oliver's,  on  the  night  of  the 
4th.  There  1  received  information  that  a  reinforcement  of  three  or 
four  thousand  men  had  arrived  on  Cave  hill,  making  Blount's  force 
fully  equal  to  mine. 

On  the  5rh,  in.stead  of  getting  to  Monroe's  as  1  had  expected,  we 
went  but  little  farther  than  half  way,  in  consequence  of  those  appa- 
rently unavoidable  delays  to  which  troops  so  ill  provided  as  our's  are 
iiable.  • 

On  the  Gth,  we  reached  Morrow's.  In  -the  morning  of  that  day, 
Marmaduke's  advance,  under  Colonel  J.  0.  Shelby,  encountered  the 
enemy's  cavalry,  and  drove  them  back  beyond  Morrow's,  to  within  two 
ajiles  of  Newburg.  There,  from  the  crest  of  the  mountain  to  its  base, 
about  sunset,  a  sharp  engagement  occurred,  in  which  Colonel  J.  C. 
Monroe,  and  his  brigade  of  Arkansas  cavalry,  who  tad  relieved 
Shelby,  greatly  distinguished  themselves,  charging  a  superior  force  of 


2J9 

• 
the  eneroy's  cavalry  ^vlth  boldness  ami  vigor,  breaking  his  ranks,  and 
only  ceasing  to  pursue  him  when  recalled.  1  had  previously  ordered 
forward  Hunter's  regiment  of  Missouri  infantry,  of  Parson's  brigade, 
rro8.t'8  division,  to»  hold  the  ground  which  tiie  cavalry  might 'gain. 
This  order  was  promptly  executed.  The  regiment  was  in  possession 
of  the  heights  and  defil<j8,  that  might  be  used  for  annoying  us,  before 
the  skirmish  had  ceased.  To  make  sure  of  this  advantage,  the  re- 
mainder of  Parson's  brigade  was  thrown  forward  to  the  same  position. 
This  being  the  situation  gf  aft'airs.  the  several  commanders  of  divisions 
were  assembled  on  the  night  of  the  6th,  to  receive  final  instructions, 
when  I  learned  that  a  further  reinforcement  of  from  four  to  six  thou- 
sand infantry,  and  two  thousand  cavalry,  with  thirty  cannon,  und^r 
Brigadier  General  Ilerrpn,  was  then  at  Fayettesville,  on  the  way  to 
Cave  hill,  nviking  forced  marchen.  .  It  had  been  my  intention  to 
^throw  Marmaduke's  cavalry,  by  the  Cave  creek  road  and  its  Mays- 
ville  branch,  upon  the  enemy's  left  and  rear,  while  I  attacked  in  front, 
by  the  road  leading  from  ]\Iorrov."s  to  Newburg.  It  now  seemed  evi- 
dent that  that  plan  would  simply  cause  the  retirenrenfof  Blount  upon 
his  reinforoernentfl,  without  accepting  battle  till*  after  the  junction 
should  be  aocompli%shed.  There  was  a  possibility  that  I  might,  by 
adopting  a  different  plan,  destroy  the  reinforcements,  and  afterwards 
fight  the  main  body  upon  equal  terms.  To  withdraw  without  fighting 
at  all  would  discourage  my  own  troops,  and  so  embolden  the  enemy 
as  tD  ensure  his  following  me  up.  His  sudden  concentration  of  troops 
•justified  the  opinion  that  a  movement  agaiu'st  me  was  intended  in  ^ny 
event.  Influenced  by  these  considerations,  I  determined  to  risk  an 
engagement  At  twelve,  P.  M.,  after  replenishing  his  camp  fires, 
Parsons  moved  back  to  Morrow's  ;  Monroo  remaining  in  position  on 
the  crest,  of  the  mountain,  instructed  to  dismount  and  skirmish  as 
infantry  at  daylight,  so  as  to  deceive  the  enemy,  and  detain  him  at 
Newburg  as  long  as  possible,  and  when  he  should  commence  rotirin*^, 
to  press  him  vigorously.  The  trains  were  ordered,  by  a  cross  route, 
to  the  telegraph  road,  and  then  to  Hog  Eye,  guarded  by  one  hundred  ■ 
cavalry  and  the  disabled  men  of  the  infantry,  of  whom  ihevs  was,  un- 
fortunately, a  considerable  number.  These  arrangements  left  me  for;- 
the  fight  less  than  ten  thousand  men  of  all  arms.  The  order  was 
given  to  march  forward  .at  three,  A.  M.,  on  the  7th,  on  the  Cave 
cfeek  road  and  its  Maysville  branch,  to  the  Cave  hilJ"  and  Fayette- 
ville  road.  The  command  w-jis  not  in  motion  till  nearly  four;  and 
then  the  route  proved  so  excessively  bad,  and  the  detentions  so  fre- 
quent, from  the  breaking  of  artillery  harness,  and  debility  of  the  bat- 
tery animals,  that  the  infantry  failed  to  march  above  two  miles  an 
hour.  A  little  before  sunrise,  Marmadukc  discovered  the  cavalry  of 
Ilerron's  command  moving  on  the  Cave  hill  and  Fkyettville  road,  to- 
wards Newburg.  Making  his  dispositions  rapidly,  ?,nd  with  excellent 
judgnient,  he  attacked  them  in  front  and  flank,  routed  them  com.- 
pletely,  killed  and  wounded  many,  captured  over  two  hundred,,  with  . 
the  ti'ain  of  a  regiment,  and  pursued  the  fugitives  five  miles,  in  the 
direction  of  Fayettcville,  to  the  lino  of  battle  formed  by  Herron'a  in- 
fantry.    My    infantry    was  yet  far   in  the   rear,  but  moving  up  as  • 


220 

• 
rapidly  as  possible.  When  tlie  head  of  the  column  at  length  reached 
the  Cave  hill  and  Fayetville  road,  Parson's  brigade  was  put  in  posi- 
tion, facitig  towards  Newburg,  to  resist  any  inoveraent  of :  the  enemy 
froin*that  direction;  a  regiment  of  cavalry  throwii  towards  that  place 
to  reconnoitre,  and  the  balance  of  the  force  ordere<l  forward,  with  in- 
structions to  attack  the  reinfurccinenis  at  once — ■^larmaduke  in  ad- 
vance, Shoup  (?)  next,  then  Fiost!  I  remained  with  Parson's  brigade, 
hoping  to  get  some  reliable  intelligence  of  the  enemy  at  Newburg. 
Receiving  none,  at  eleven,  A.  M.,  I  went  forward  about  two  miles, 
and  overtook  the  marching  column.  It  was  painful  to  observe  the 
exhaustion  of  the  men.  They  had  marched  nearly  fifteen  miles  :  none 
of  thciu  had  eaten  since  the  previous  day.  The  rations  of  all  had 
been  insufficient  for  over  thirty  days.  Many,  overcome  with  fatigue, 
were  left  on  the  roadside.  Brigadier  General  Shoup.  met  me,  and 
ft^ted  that  Marmaduke  was  falling  back  before  the  enemy's  infantry. 
which  was  advancing,  and  that. he  had,  therefore,  put  his  division  in 
position  to  resist  attack.  I  found  the  position  taken  by  Cleneral 
Shoup  an  exceedingly  strong  one.  It  wws  upon  the  edge  of  a  hill, 
densely  wooded,  descending  alauptly  to  Crawford's  prairie,  half  mile 
in  width,  which  encircled  all  its  northern  half.  Five  hundred  yards 
in  rear  was  another  prairie.  Between  the  two,  on  the  right  and  left, 
a  skirt  of  woods  connected  the  timber  of' the  hill  with  that  beyond. 
The  Cave  hill  and  Fayetteville  road  cuts  the  centre  of  this  hill,  pass- 
ing by  Praiiie  Grove  church,  which  is  upon  its  summit.  A  cross 
royte  from  the  Cave  hill  and  Fayetteville  to  the  Cave  creek  road,- 
paese?",  mIso,  immediately  by  the  church,  dividing  the  south  prairie 
from  the  growth  upon  the  hill.  By  the  time  I  had  completed  my  re- 
coniioibsance  of  the  ground,  a  regiment  of  Federal  cavalry,  widi  two 
pieces  ol"  artillery,  ojjtned  lire  upon  the  captured  train  and  piisoner?, 
that  had  been  ordered  towards  Moirrow's,  and  also  upon  a  hospital, 
establii-hed  by  my  medical  director  for  the  treatment  of  the  wounded 
of  the  Federal  cavalry.  No  loss  ensued,  and  this  forCe  retired  rap- 
idly upon  observing  Parson's  brigade. 

Shortly  after  dense  columns  of  smoke  in  the  direction  of  Ray's 
mill,  and  between  there  and  Newburg,  indicated  that  Blount  had  re- 
treated hastily,  destroying  his  stores,  and  was  moving  to  unite  with 
Herroii.  I  immediately  ordered  forward  Parson's  brigade.  Blount's 
advance  soon  appeared  on  the  farther  side  of  Crawford's  prairie.  The 
jnterval  of  time  in  which  I  might  have  attacked  Ilerron  was  past. 
Circumstances  did  not  permit  me  to  avail  myself  of  it,  for  the  mani- 
fest reason  that,  at  the  favorable  moment,  the  rear  of  my  column 
could  not  be  where  the  head  of  it  was.  Evidently,  the  combined 
forces  of  Blount  and  Ilerron  would  speedily  attack  liic.  I  made  such 
arrangements  as  stemed  best  to  meet  that  contingency.  The  line  of 
biattle  determined  on  was  nearly  in  the  form  of  a  horse  shoe,  conform- 
ing to  the  shape  of  the  hill.  Only  Shoup's  division  and  Shelby's 
brigade  of  Marmaduke's  division,  the  latter  dismounted,  were  at  first 
■pfaced  upon  that  line,  filling  the  centre  and  right,  opposite  the  line 
taken  by  Herron,  which  was  upon  the  farther  side  of  Crawford's 
prairie,  on  a  blufi"  that  rose  up  steeply  behind  a  stream  flowing  into 


221 

Illinois  rirer,"  Frost's  division,  to  which  had  been  added  the  bri2;ad3 
of  Texans,  with  Clarke's  Missouri  regiment,  commanded  by  Briga- 
dier General  Roane,  was  held  in  reserv^e  to  await  the  movements  of 
Blount,  McDonald's  regiment  of  Missouri  cavalry  and  Lane's  regi- 
ment of  Texas  cavalry,  the  latter  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel 
R.  P.  Crump,  Avere  held  in  readiness  to  meet  any  attempts  upon  the 
flanks.  About  twelve  the  enemy  opened  with  artillery,  to  which  ours 
began  responding,  but  this  I  prohibited.  At  one,  P.  M,,  aided  by  a 
tremendous  artillery  fire,  the  infantry  of  Ilerron's  command  advanced 
against  the  position  held  by  Shoup  and  Marmaduke.  It  was  per- 
mitted to  approach  within  sixty  yards,  and  then  as  it  charged, 
rushing  gallantly  past  one  of  our  batteries  and  having  it  a  moment 
in  possession,  Ilagan's  Arkansas  brigade,  part  of  McRae's.  brigade, 
and  the  Missourians  under  Shelby,  delivered  a  terrific  fire  from  their 
shot  guns,  rifles  and  muskets,  and  charged  the-  enemy  furiously. 
Hawthorne's  regiment  of  Arkansians  retook  the  battery.  The  Fed- 
erals broke  and  fled.  Our  men  pursued  them  far  into  the  prairie. 
The  slaughter  was  great,  the  earth  in  manj  places  strewn  with 
Federal  wounded  and  dead.  Very  soon  the  attack  was  renewed,  a 
little  further,  to  my  right,  with  great  vigor  and  determination.  I 
ordered  Shaver's  Arkansas  brigade,  of  Frost's  division,  to  the  support 
Qf  General  Shoup.  The  enemy  was  again  repulsed,  with  heavy  loss, 
and  retired  in  confusion  Blount  had  now  formed  line  of  battle,  two 
thousand  yards  to  the  front  .an<l  left  o^  Shoup,  and  commenced 
advancing.  I  or.dered  Frost's  division  forward  oa  the  left  of  Marma- 
duke's.  The  thick  undergrowth  ;  n  that  flank  rendered  it  diflioult  to 
execute  the  movement,  which  was  further  embarrassed  , by  the  Avell 
directed  and  destructive  fire  of  the  enemy's  batterits,  ThciC  Avas, 
however,  no  confusion.  By  the  time  Frost  was  in  line,  the  enemy 
was  really  across  the  prairie,  and  our  skirmishers  engaged  his  almost 
as  soon  as  deployed.  His  attack  was  directed  against  Parson's  brig- 
ade. It  Avas  .fierce  and  prolonged,  but  ended  in  his  being  driven  back 
in  disorder,  with  heavy  losses.  One  of  Marmaduke's  regiments  and 
one  of  Roane's,  both  Missourians,  shared  the  honor  of  this  brilliant 
achievement.  The  enemy  noAV  brought  up  all  his  artillery,  many 
pieces  of  which  were  rifled,  and  endeavored  to  shake  our  troops  by 
playing  upon  the  entire  line  for  nearly  an  hour.  Then  he  attacked 
with  all  his  infantry,  at  the  same  time  threatening  the  extreme  left 
with  a  heavy  cavalry  force,  and  attempting  to  turn  the  right. 
McDonald's  Missouri  cavalry  defeated,  him  in  the  last  manoeuvre  ; 
Lane's  Texas  cavalry  and  Roane's  brigade  deterred  him  from  seriously 
assailing  the  left;  and  Shoup's  division,  Shelby's  brigade  of  Marma- 
duke's division,  and  Parsons'  and  Shaver's  brigades  of  Frost's  division, 
gloriously  repulsed  him  in  his  desperate  attack  upon  their  lines.  He 
again  fled  beyond  tlie  prairie,  leaving -his  dead  and  wounded  and  the 
colors  of  several  of  bis  regiments  in  our  hands,  besides  a  number  of 
prisoners.  Some  of  these  Avere  ascertained  to  be  of  Totten's  division, 
which  had.arrived'upon  the  field,  still  further  increasing  the  fUsparity 
of  forces.  In  the  midst  of  this  struggle  information  reached  me  that 
a  cchsiderable  body  of  Federal  cavalry  Avas  approaching  Hog  Eye,  to 


222 

Trhich  place  I  had  ordered  my  trains,     I  directed  the  wagons  retired 
on  the  Telegia|.h  road  to  Oliver's.     This  was  done  without  loss.     A 
furious  cannonade  was  kept  up  by  the  enemy  till  near  sunset.     Then 
a  last  attack  of  hi.^  infantry   was  directed    ngainst  the   line   held  by 
Frost.     This  wiis  a  most  determined  effort  to  retrieve  the  fortunes  of 
the  day      It  signally  failed,  and  the  enemy,  paid  dearly  in  killed  and 
wounded  for  the  attempt.     At  dark  the  battle  closed,  leaving  us  mas- 
ters of  every  foot  of  the  ground  on  which  it   was  fought      Our   loss 
in  killed  was  one  hundred   and   sixty-four;   wounded,   eight  hundred 
and  seventeen  ;   missing,  three  hundred  -oml   thirty-six.     The  enemy 
left  not  less  than  four  hundred  dead    on  the    field,  and   his   vrounded 
certainly  exceeded  fifteen  hundred.     The  number  of  prisoners  in  our 
hands  was  two  hundred  and  seventy-five,  including  nine  officer.^.     We 
also  captured  five  Federal  flags   and   over  five   hnndred  small  arms, 
with  twenty-three  wagons,  conttiining  clothing  and  camp  and  garrison 
equipage.     Invoices  of  this  property   have  been  forwarded.     Of  all 
the  troops  engaged  on  our  side,  Adams'  Arkansas  regiment  alone  dis- 
honored itfielf.     It  was  well  armed,  ably  commanded,  a,nd  surrounded 
by  gox)d  soldiers  from  the  same  State,  setting  it  an   example  of  cour- 
age and  patriotism.      But,  after   delivering   a*  single  fire,  the  greater 
part  of  the  men  broke  ranks,  threw  down  their  arms,  and  shamefully 
fled.     iNIany  of  them   were  deserting   to   the   enemy.     The'  field  and- 
staff   officers-,   who  had   been    appointed,  rallied    about    sevent,y-five 
around  the  colors,  and  these  did  much  to  redeem  the  reputation  of  the 
regiment.     Wilh  but  few  exceptions,  the  company  officers  c.xserted  no 
influence.      The  other  troops  displayed  the  greatest  courage,    con- 
gtancy  and  enthusiasm.     There    was    no    place   of   shelter  upon  any 
portiooi  of  the  field.     Wounds  were  give'n   and  death  inflicteJ  by  the 
enomy's  artillery  in  the  ranks  of  the  reserves,  as  well  as  in  the  front 
ranks.      During  five  hours,  shell,  solid   shot,  grape   and  canister,  and 
storms   of  bnllcts  swept  the   entire  ground.    INIany  gallmt  officers, 
and  many  soldiers,  equaljy  brave,  fell   dead   or   wounded.     But  their, 
comrades  stood  as  firm  as  iron.     Volunteers   maintained    their  repu- 
tation, conscripts  rose  at  once  to  the  same   standard,  and  splendidly 
refuted  the  slander  put  upon  them  by  men  of  the  class  of  "exempts." 
Generals  Frost,  Slioup  and  Marmaduke,  commanding  divisions.  Gen- 
erals Itoane,  Ilagan,  Parsons   and   McRae,  and   Colonels    Shaver  and 
Shelby^   commanding  brigades,    did    their   duty    nobly.      I    strongly 
commend  them  to   the   Lieutenant  Geneial  commanding   the  depart- 
ment.    Generals  Shoup  and  Marmaduke  do  not  appear  to  have  been 
confirmed  as   brigadiers:     They    fully   merit    thp.  honor.     Had  the 
authorities  whoso  consent  is  requisite,  been  present  at  Brairic  Grove 
or  at  Shiloh,  wher*c  these  gallant  officers  equally  dii-tinguishcd  them- 
selves, the  act  of  confirmation  could  not  be  delayed.     The   reports  of 
the  division  commanders  and  their  subordinates  arc  forwarded  here- 
with.    Especial  attention  is  invited  to  them.     They  embody  many 
valuable  details,  and  specify  instances  of  courage   and.  good  conductr 
on  the  part  of  field,  staff  and  company  Officers,   and  enlisted  men, 
"which  1  will  not  be  expected  otherwise  to  mention  here.     I  had  with 
me  the  following  staff:  Colonel  R.  C.  Newton,  chief  of  staff ;  Major 


223 

J.  P.  Wilson,  assistant  adjutant  general ;  Lieutenant  McK.  Ilamraett, 
SiCting  assistant  adjutant  general  ;  Lieutenant  S.  B.  Reardon,  ai<l-(le- 
caoap  ;  Lieutenant  R.  W.  Lee,  aid-de-camp,  acting  chief  of  ordnance ; 
Captain  D.  Provence,  acting  chief  of  artillery  ;  Colonel  A.  S.  Dob- 
bin, volunteer  aidde-camp ;  Surgeon  J.  M.  Keller,  medical  director; 
all  of  whom  were  constantly  umler  fire.  They  displayetj  great  cooi- 
ness  and  disregard  of  danger  in  the  discharge  of  tlieir  duty.  This 
was  the  second  bloody  battle  in  which  Colonel  Newton  and  Major 
WilsOn  served  on  my  staff;  in  both  they  cvincoil  the  s;ime  high  ({uai- 
ities.  The  confirmation  of  their  rankhas  been  fairly  won  at  Shiloh 
and  at  Prairie  Grove-  .1  present  this  subject  specially  to  thQ  depart- 
ment commander,  with  the  case  also  of  Lieutenant  Ilammett — all 
bfiing  of  the  number  of  assignments  made  by  me  while  commanding 
the  Trans-Mississippi  district. 

Considering!:  the  strenjith  of  mv  command  as  compared  with  the  ene- 
ray's  ;  considering  that  my  men  were  destitute  of  food,  their  wagons 
thirty  miles  in  rear,  and  not  to  be  brought  forward  without  imminent, 
danger  of  being  lost;  that  my  supply  of  ammunition  was  reduced  far 
below  what  w^onld  be  necessarv  for  another  d:iy"s  fighting',  and  that' 
my  battery  animals  were  literally  dying  of  starvation,  and  could  not 
hn  foraged  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy,  I  determined  to  retire,  and 
gave  the  orders  for  that  purpose.  Cavalry  was  extended  along  both 
sides  of  the  Cave  creek  road,  distant  two  or  three  miles  from  it,  from 
near  Prairie  Grove  to  the  mpuntains,  and  scouts  were  thrown  upon  all 
routes  leading  towards  the  enemy's^ position.  Tlie  prisoners  and  cap- 
tured property  were  removed.  At  twelve  o'clock,  the  rear  guard  of 
the  infantry  had  passed  out  of  hearing.  I  remained  with  Marraa- 
duke's  cavalry  on  the  field,  occupying  the  line  held  at  dark,  caring 
for  our  wounded  and  dead,  and  collecting  the  arms  which  the  enemy 
had  abandoned  in  his  frequent  flights  before  our  men.  A  Federal 
officer,  under  flag,  broi>ght  the  following  letter  :    .  - 

TTeadqu.\rter.s  Federal  Forces,  } 
In  the  Field,  Dec.  7,  1862.      S 

To  CoMMANutNG  Oi'FicER  of  Confederate  Forces: 

•  General:  The  bearer,  Dr.  Parker,  visits  your  lines  with  flag  of 
truce,  for  the  purpose  of  caring  for  our  wounded. 

James  G.  Blount, 
Brhadier  General  commanding: 

The  bearer  of  the  flag  indicated  twelve  hours,  from  sunrise  next  day, 
as  the  desired  period  of  truce.  To  this  I  acceded,  detaining  the  Fed- 
eral officer,'  and  notifying .  General  Blount  immediately  of  the  fact. 
Receiving  no  written  reply,  and  the  bearer  of  my  first  noto  not  re- 
turning, 1  again  gave  him  the  same  information.  lie  replied  as  fol- 
lows :  •        •  ' 

Headquarters.  Federal  Forces,      ^ 
In  the  Field,  Dec.  8,  1262—6  o'dock,  A.  M.  i 
Major  General  T.  C.  ITindman, 

Commandin g -Con ff derate  Forces  :  . 

Gbneral:  I  have   the  honor' to  acknowledge   vour    second   note 


224 

unrltT  S  ig  of  truce,  and  express  to  jou  ray  regards  for  the  privilege 
granted  of  entering  your  lines,  to  care  for  my  wounded,  which  is  in 
Hccordahce  with  the  usages  of  civilized  Wiirfare.  Instead  of  return-  ' 
ing  a  written  reply,  as  1  perhaps  should  hare  done,  I  sent  an  unarmed 
party  with  ambuiinces,  .accompanied  by  commissioned' olficors,  to 
mect(l:jueral  Marmadukc,  and  to  be  ^y  him  c,!,  lii^-tod  within  your 
line. 

I  have  the  honor  to  bo,  General, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

James  G.  Blolnt, 
Brigadier  'General  com77iand'uig. 

General  Blount's  o'fficer  had  submitted  a  proposition  as  by  authority 
that  surgeons,  hospital  nurses,  and  attendants  on  the  sick  and  wounded, 
shouid  not  in  any  case  be  regarded  as  prisoners,  but  released  uncon- 
ditionally. This  was  not  in  such  shape  ast-j  be  conclusive.  1  there- 
fore requested  that  General  Blount  should  meet'  me  personally,  next 
day.  lie  assented,  and  we  met  about  ten,  A.  M.,  on  the  Sth.  The 
result  of  the  conference  was  the  adoption  of  the  proposition  before 
referred  to,  with  the  additional  stipulation  that  ambulances  and  hos- 
pital trains,  medicines,  and  medical  and  hospital  stores,  shouhi  be  ex- 
empt from  capture. 

Aboiit  twelve  o'clock,  M  ,  I  withdrew  Marmaduke's  command,  and 
overlook  the  infantry  that  night  at  Morrov's.  The  return  to  our 
former  camp  was  attended  with  no  incident  worthy  to  be  reported. 
After  a  battle  the  mind  naturally '  passes  in  review  all  the  circum- 
Btar.ced  connected  with  it.  1  hope  the  expression  here  of  sueh  reflec- 
tions as  now  present  tliemselves  to  me,  will  not  be  deemed  improper. 
Undoubtedly  there  are  serious  defects  in  our  military  system.  Chief 
among  these  is  the  rule  of  electing  to  the  lowest  commi.^sioned  officer, 
and  promoting  to  those  above,  in  companies  and  regiments.  It  com- 
bines mobocracy  and  primogeniture,  in  such  proportions  that  it  seems 
iilmost  a  miracle  that  anything  like  discipline  or  efhciency  survives. 
As  a  substitute,  I  would  propo.se  this — That  whenever  a  vacancy  oc- 
curs ia  a  company  or  regiment,  an  examining  board  of  three  capable 
officers  be  appointe<i  by  the  division  or  corps  commander  ;  that  with-* 
out  regard  to  rank  or  restriction  to  the  conwiand,  all  persons  desiring 
the  vacant  place  be  invited  to  appear  before  the  board  within  a  given 
time,  to  be  examined  as  to  character  and  (|uaiilioa!.ions  ;  an<l  that  the 
board  recommend,  and  the  division  or  corps  commander  immediately 
cssign  to  duty,  the  one  found  best  qualified  and  most  meritorious,  cqn- 
ditioned  that  he  sliall  not  draw  pay  till  the  assignment  bo  approved  by 
the  War  Department.  Asauxili;iry  to  this,  division  or  corps  command- 
ers should  be  autliorized  to  order  before  a  similar  board  any  regimental 
or  company  officer  deomod  incapable,  oegiectful,  or  otherwise  unfit, 
and  on  the  report  of  the  board  against  him,  to  suspend  him  from  "duty, 
and  cause  the  place  to  be  iujuicdiately  filled,  as  in  the  case  of  any 
other  vacamcy  ;  and  upon  the  approval  of  the  proceedings  by  the  War 
Department,  the  dcluiquent  officer  should  be  invariably  put  in  'the 
ranks  as'a  private  toldier.     I  would  apply  these  provisions  to  all  the 


225 

etaff  oflGcers  of  corps,  divisions,  and  regiments,  with  the  further  reg- 
ulation that  persons  assigned  to  staff  duty,  where  bond  is  required  by 
law,  may  execute  the  same  before  the  commander  cf  the  divison  or 
corps.  Great  delays  and  detriment  to  the  service  result  from  the  ex- 
isting arrangements  as  to  that  matter.  Next  in  importance,  is  the 
Bubjedt  of  the  pay  of  the  troops.  Poor  men  almost  invariably  make 
up  our  armies.  Their  wives  and  children,  left  Vi'ithout  protection,  are 
exposed  to  absolute  suffering,  unless  the  men  are  regularly  and  ade- 
quately paid.  No  troops  that  I  have  known  during  the  war  have 
been  paid  with  anything  like  promptness.  Immense  arrearages  are 
now  due  the  men  of  this  corps.  Their  families  are  in  great  suffer- 
ing. The  consequence  is,  that  very  many  desertions  have  occurred. 
If  arrearages  could  be  at  once  discharged,  the  evil  would  be  checked. 
If  the  pay  of  the  soldier  was  not  only  promptly  given  him,  but  made 
PuflBcient  in  amount  to  support  his  family,  as  it  should  be,  desertions 
would  be  unknown.  This  subject  involves  the  fate  of  the  Confede- 
racy. Notions  of  false  economy  ought  to  be  discarded  in  considering 
it.  The  conscript  act  ought  to  be  revised.  Every  man  between  six- 
teen and  sixty,  who  is  able  to  serve  the  Confederacy  in  the  army, 
whether  in  the  ranks  or  as  an  artisan  or  mechanic*  laborer  or  team- 
ster, cook,  hospital  attendant,  or  in  any  other  capacity,  ought  to  be 
put  in  service,  without  regard  to  avocation  or  other  plea  There 
ought  to  be  no  exemption  whatever,  except  in  the  case  of  absolute 
and  permanent  disability.  If  by  this  means  more  soldiers  are  raised 
than  necessary,  it  would  be  a  very  just  and  humane  policy  to  grant 
furloughs  to  the  old  soldiers,  and  put  the  young  conscripts  in  their 
places.  If  the  men  out  of  the  army  are  the  people,  these  ideas  may 
fail  of  popular  approval.  That,  however,  in  no  way  affects  their 
merits.  Under  the  same  supposition,  the  last  suggestion  I  have  to 
make  will  be  still  more  decidedly  unpopular.  It  will  be  odious  in 
the  eyes  of  speculators,  extortioners,  refusers  of  Confederate  money, 
evaders  of  conscription,  deserters,  harborers  of  deserters,  spies,  n^a- 
rauders,  federalists,  and  that  less  respectable  class  who  regard  these 
others  as  the  people,  and  pander  to  them  for  their  votes.  This  ob- 
noxious suggestion  is — a  vigorous  and  determined  system  of  martial- 
law,  covering  all  the  classes  of  evil  doers,  mentioned  above,  and  com- 
pelling them  by  stern  and  swift  punishment  either  to  leave  the 
Confederacy  or  to  bear  their  due  part  of  the  burthens  of  the  war. 
Without  martial-law,  loyal  citizens  and  the  fighting  soldiers  of  the 
country,  their  wives  and  children,  are  literally  the  prey  of  the  basest 
of  the  population.  The  civil  laws.  State  organizations,  rights  on  pa- 
per, penalties  on  statute  books,  are  inert  and  powerless  to  help  them. 
A  living,  active,  fearless  assertion  and  enforcement  of  martial-law 
alone  can  do  it.  If  much  longer  delayed,  that  remedy  itself  will  come 
too  late. 

Respectfully, 

T.  C.  HINDMAN, 
Major  General  commanding. 


15 


CAPTURE   OF  TOMPKINSVILLE. 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  MOKOAN. 


Brigade  Headquarters,  Tompkinsvillk,  Ivy, 

July  9,  1862. 

To  Major  General  E.  K.  Smith, 

Commanding,  Knoxville,  Tennessee  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  arrived  with  my  command 
at  the  Cumberland  river,  and  passed  the  ford  at  about  two  o'clock,  P, 
M.,  yesterday,  8th  instant. 

My  forces  consisted  of  Colonel  Hunt's  Georgia  regiment  cavalry, 
ray  own  regiment,  and  a  squadron  of  Texas  rangers  ;  we  were  joined 
at  the  river  by  two  companies,  under  Captains  Hamilton  and  McMil- 
lan. I  received  information  that  the  enemy  had  passed  the  Cumber- 
land river  at  Salina,  the  day  of  my  arrival,  with  about  one  hundred 
and  eighty  men,  but  did  not  deem  it  right  to  attack  that  force,  as  I 
was  aware  that  a  considerable  body  of  cavalry,  about  three  hundred 
and  eighty  or  four  hundred  strong,  were  stationed  at  this  town,  and  I 
thought  by  a  rapid  night  march  I  might  succeed  in  surprising  them. 
I  left  the  river  at  ten  o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  the  8th  instant,  and  at  five 
A.  M.,  this  day,  I  surprised  the  enemy,  and  having  surrounded  them 
threw  four  shells  into  their  camp,  and  then  carried  it  by  a  dashing 
charge.  The  enemy  fled,  leaving  about  tw'enty-two  dead,  and  from 
thirty  to  forty  wounded  in  our  hands. 

We  have  thirty  prisoners,  and  my  Texas  squadron  are  still  in  pur- 
suit of  the  fugitives.  Among  the  prisoners  is  Major  Jordan,  their 
commander,  and  two  lieutenants.  The  tents,  stores,  and  camp  equipage 
I  have  destroyed,  but  a  valuable  baggage  train,  consisting  of  some 
twenty  wagons  and  fifty  mules,  are  in  my  possession,  also  some  forty 
cavalry  horses,  and  supplies  of  sugar,  coffee,  &c. 

I  did  not  lose  a  sinijle  man  in  killed,  but  have  to  resrret  that  Colo- 


228 

nel  Hunt,  while  lealing  a  hrilliant  charge,  received  a  severe  wound 
in  the  leg,  which  prevents  his  going  on  with  the  command.  I 
also  had  three  members  of  the  Texas  squadron  woundeil,  but  not 
seriously. 

Very  respectfully, 

JOHN  H.  MORGAN. 

Colonel  commanding. 
R.  A.  Alston,  A.  A.  Gaieral. 


OPERATIONS   AT  VICKSBURG. 


rvEPORT  OF  GENERAL  PEMBERTON. 


Headquarters  Department  Miss,  and  East  Louesiana,  ) 
Vicksburg,  February,  18G3.  J 

General  Samuel  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General : 

General:  On  the  21st  of  December,  vhile  at  Grenada,  awaitinrr 
the  approach  of  the  enemy  in  that  direction,  information  was  received 
that  his  large  fleet  of  gun-boats  and  transports  was  moving  down  the 
Mississippi  river,  for  the  supposed  purpose  of  attacking  Yicksburr'. 
Brigadier  General  Vaughan's  brigade  of  East  Tenncsseans,  was  at 
once  ordered  to  that  point. 

On  the  24th,  definite  and  reliable  information  reached  me  that  the 
enemy's  gun-boats  had  arrived  at  the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo  river,  six 
miles  above  Vicksburg,  and  that  his  transports  were  not  far  in  their 
rear  ;  thereupon  Brigadier  General  Gregg,  with  his  brigade,  was  im- 
mediately sent  forward. 

On  the  25th,  left  Grenada,  and  reached  Vicksburg  at  twelve,  M. 
On  the  26th,  while  on  the  route,  the  forty-six  Alabama  regiment, 
Colonel  Coleman,  was  ordered  from  Columbus  to  Vicksburg. 

On  my  arrival  I  found  the  enemy's  gun -boats  were  engaged  in 
shelling  the  banks  of  the  Yazoo  river,  up  to  the  vicinity  of  the  first 
bluffs,  at  Snyder's  mills ;  and  under  their  cover  he  was  disembarking 
his  troops  from  his  transports. 

Snyder's  mills  are  situated  thirteen  miles  north  of  Vicksburg,  on 
a  bluff  which  overlooks  the  Yazoo  river.  At  this  point  a  strong  bat- 
tery had  been  planted  and  the  river  blockaded  by  a  raft — swamps, 
lakes  and  bayous,  running  parellel  with  the  river,  intervene  between 
-the  bank  and  the  hills,  and  leave  but  four  practicable  approaches  to 


230 

the  high  ground  from  Snyder's  mills  to  the  Mississippi  river  ;  but  all 
outside  of  the  fortifications  erected  for  the  defence  of  Vicksburg ;  one 
in  Bliike's  field  running  along  his  levee,  nearly  at  right  angles  with 
the  river  ;  the  next  about  a  mile  below,  along  the  Chicka?aw  I'ayous; 
the  third  passing  through  a  dry  part  of  the  lake  opposite  to  an  Indian 
mound  ;  and  the  fourth,  by  a  road  leading  from  Johnson's,  by  the 
race-track.  Before  my  arrival,  Major  General  Smith  had  arranged 
his  guns  and  disposed  of  his  troops,  so  as  to  guard  these  several  ap- 
proaches, under  the  immediate   command  of  Jirigadier  General  Lee. 

On  this  day  skirmishing  began  soon  after  the  disembarkation  cf  the 
enemy's  troops,  which  resulted  in  driving  his  advanced  parties  from 
Mrs.  Lake's  plantation  into  tl'.c  swamps  bordering  the  river. 

On  the  27th,  at  an  early  hour,  demonstrations,  in  force,  were  made 
at  the  Indian  mound,  Chickasaw  bayou,  Blake'g  levee  and  Snyder's 
mills  ;  thus  showing  on  the  part  of  the  enemy,  accurate  knowledge  of 
all  the  approaches. 

About  two  o'clock,  three  of  the  enemy's  gun-boats  moved  up  to 
attack  cur  battery  on  Snyder's  bills,  and  continued  a  heavy  firing  for 
three  hours,  when  they  returned  down  the  river.  Our  guns  were 
handled  with  spirit  and  precision,  and  the  officers  and  men  deserve  the 
highest  praise  for  their  gallant  conduct  during  the  engagement. 

About  the  time  of  the  attack  at  Snyder's  mills,  another  was  made 
along. the  Chickasaw  bayou,  with  great  violence,  and  in  heavy  force. 
This  was  gallantly  and  successfully  met  by  the  seventeenth  Louisiana 
regiment,  two  companies  of  the  forty-sixth  Mississippi  regiment,  and 
a  section  of  Cajitain  WofTurd's  battery,  all  under  command  of  Colonel 
Withers,  first  Mississppi  artillorj'. 

During  the  evening  and  night  of  this  day,  Brigadier  Generals 
Vaughan  and  Gregg,  with  their  brigades,  arrived  from  »jtrenada,  and 
also  Brigadier  General  Barton,  and  his  brigade,  of  Majo^  General 
Stevenson's  division. 

Before  daylight  they  were  moved  to  the  front,  and  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Yau'^han  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  left  of  the  racecourse; 
Brig.  Gen.  Barton  to  the  centre,  fronting  on  the  Indian  Mound  ;  and 
Brigadier  General  Lee  to  the  right,  reaching  to  Snyder's  mills ;  Brig- 
adier General  Gregg  at  first  was  held  in  reserve  with  his  troops,  but 
was  subsequently  placed  in  position  between  Generals  Vaughan  and 
Bartun.  On  the  23th,  at  half-past  four,  A.  M.,  the  enemy  opened 
fire  with  his  sharpshooters  and  six  pieces  of  artillery  on  the  rifle-pits 
in  front  of  the  Indian  mound  and  the  section  of  artillery  upon  it. 
The  thirty-first  Louisiana  regiment,  under  Colonel  Morrison,  occu- 
pied the  trenches,  and  during  the  day  was  reinforced  by  five  compa- 
nies of  the  fortieth  Georgia,  Colonel  A.  Johnson.  The  enemy's 
fire  was  kept  up  with  great  vigor  and  without  intermission  through- 
out the  day  In  the  evening  it  Avas  so  severe  that  our  men  were  una- 
ble to  stand  to  iheir  guns  on  the  mound,  when  two  sections  of  Major 
Ward's  artillery  were  ordered  up  to  aid  in  preventing  the  enemy  from 
planting  a  battery  in  close  range,  which  was  successfully  effected. 

On  the  previous  night,  the  command  of  Colonel  Withers  was 
removed  from  Chiskasaw  bayou  to  Blake's  levee,  and  the  twenty- 


«31 

eighth  Louisiana  regiment,  Colonel  Thomas,  of  Lee's  brigade,  was  sent 
to  occupy  Withers'  position  of  the  previous  day. 

About  daylight,  the  enemy,  with  six  pieces  of  artillery,  supported 
by  at  least  a  brigade  of  infantry,  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon  this 
gallant  regiment,  which  held  him  in  check  till  twelve,  M,,  when  it 
retired  in  good  order.  The  enemy,  elated  with  his  success,  followed 
rapidly,  but  his  progress  was  soon  checked  by  a  well-timed  volley 
from  the  twenty-sixth  Louisiana  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel 
Hall,  which  occupied  the  rifle-pits,  hurriedly  thrown  up  opposite  the 
dry  part  of  the  lake.  On  the  same  morning  another  strong  column 
advanced  upon  the  position  held  by  the  seventeenth  Louisiana  regi- 
ment, forty-sixth  Mississippi,  (Lieutenant  Colonel  Easterling,)  and 
Bowman's  battery — all  under  command  of  Colonel  Withers,  on  Blake's 
levee,  which  was  resisted  in  gallant  style,  and  the  enemy  finally 
driven  back  with  heavy  loss  ;  the  forty-sixth  Mi='sissippi  and  two 
Napoleons,  (under  Lieutenant  Johnson,)  doing  admirablo  service. 
On  ihe  conclusion  of  this  day's  fighting,  it  seemed  highly  probable 
that  on  the  next  the  enemy  would  make  the  attempt  to  carry  our  posi- 
tion by  assault.  The  dispositions  were  made  accordingly.  The  works 
were  repaired  and  strengthenecl,  some  additional  trenches  dug,  and 
just  before  daylight,  it  was  deemed  advisable,  owing  to  its  isolated 
position,  to  withdraw  the  twenty-sixth  Louisiana  regiment. 

On  the  29th,  about  nine  o'clock,  the  enemy  was  discovered  in  his 
attempt  to  throw  a  pontoon  bridge  across  the  lake.  In  this  he  was 
foiled  by  a  few  well-directed  shots  from  a  section,  each,  of  WofFord's 
and  Ward's  batteries,  that  A  the  latter  commanded  by  "Lieutenant 
Tarleton.  About  ten  o'clock,  a  furious  cannonade  was  opened  on 
General  Lee's  lines.  This  cea.sed  about  twelve,  when  a  whole  brigade, 
about  six  thousand  strong,  understood  to  have  been  Brig.  Gen.  Blair's, 
though  not  led  by  him  in  person,  emerged  from  the  woods  in  good 
order,  and  moved  gallantly  forward,  under  a  heavy  fire  of  our  artil- 
lery. They  advanced  to  within  a  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  pits, 
when  they  broke  and  retreated,  but  soon  rallied  and  divided  their 
forces,  sent  a  portion  to  their  right,  which  was  gallantly  driven  back 
by  the  twenty -eighth  Louisiana  and  forty-second  Georgia  regiments, 
with  heavy  loss.  Their  attack  in  front  was  repulsed  with  still  greater 
disasters.  By  a  handsome  movement  on  the  enemy's  flank,  the  t^yen- 
ty-sixth  and  part  of  the  seventeenth  Louisiana  threw  the  enemy 
into  inextricable  confusion,  and  were  so  fortunate  as  to  capture  four 
stands  of  regimental  colors,  twenty-one  commissioned  officers,  three 
hundred  and  eleven  non  commissioned  officers  and  privates,  and  five 
hundred  stand  of  arms.  The  third,  thirtieth,  and  eightieth  Tennes- 
see regiments  occupied  the  rifle-pits  in  front,  and  behaved  with  distin- 
guished coolness  and  courage.  During  this  assault  upon  the  right, 
the  enemy  in  force  was  endeavoring  to  carry  our  centre,  commanded 
by  General  Barton,  by  storm.  Five  resolute  efforts  were  made  to 
carrj'  our  breastworks,  and  were  as  often  repulsed  with  heavy  loss. 
Three  times  he  succeeded  in  mounting  the  parapet,  and  once  made  a 
lodgment  and  attempted  to  mine  The  fifty-second  Georgia,  Colonel 
Phillips,  reinforced  Colonel  Morrison's  and  Colonel  A.  Johnson's  regi- 


233 

ments  early  iu  the  day.  These  troop3  and  the  line  of  skirmishers 
formc'l  of  companies  from  the  fortieth  and  forty  second  Georgia, 
behaved  with  distinguished  courage  and  steatlineas  throughout.  At 
this  point  the  enemy  did  not  give  up  hia  attack  until  nightfall. 

On  the  left,  comman-led  l»y  Brigadier  General  Vaughan,  the  heavy 
abattis  prevented  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  except  with  sharpshoot- 
ers, who  advanced  continuously,  but  were  met  firmly  by  his  East 
Tennesseeans.  Our  .sharpshooters,  everywhere,  by  their  coolness, 
vigilance  and  accuracy  of  aim,  rendered  the  most  valuable  service, 
and  contributed  great!}'  to  the  general  result 

On  the  evening  of  the  29th,  Major  General  Stevenson  arrived  at 
Vicksburg,  and  by  reason  of  seniority  was  assigned  to  the  command 
of  the  troops  in  front  of  the  enemy.  On  the  3ilth,  although  the 
enemy  Ptill  occupied  his  position  in  front  of  our  lines,  the  firing 
was  confined  to  the  sharpshooters  on  either  side.  Major  General 
Maury  arrived  during  this  day  from  Greneda,  with  a  portion  of  his 
division,  and  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  right  wing,  reach- 
ing from  the  signal  station  to  Snyder's  mills. 

On  the  31st,  the  enemy  sent  in  a  flag  of  truce,  asking  permission 
to  bury  his  dead  and  care  for  his  .vounded,  which  was  granted. 

On  the  Ist  day  of  January,  it  became  evident  that  some  new  move- 
ment was  on  hand,  and  on  the  2d,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy 
was  re-embarking.  General  Lee  was  sent  with  five  regiments  to  har- 
ass him  in  this  operation.  The  noble  second  Texas,  whose  fortune  it 
was  !o  be  in  advance  of  the  assaulting  column,  charged  and  routed 
the  enemy,  formed  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  continued,  (although 
under  the  incessant  fire  of  twelve  gunboats,)  their  attack  on  the 
crowded  transports  until  they  passed  beyond  range.  It  is  deeply  to 
be  regretted,  however,  that  Lieutenant  Colonel  Timmons,  of  this 
regiment,  a  brave  and  gallant  soldier,  who  had  just  recovered  from 
the  elVects  of  a  wound  received  at  Corinth,  was  in  this  action  mortally 
wounded  at  the  head  of  his  regiment. 

During  these  several  engagements,  our  entire  loss  was  sixty-three 
(63)  killed,  one  hundred  and  thirty-four  (134)  wounded,  and  ten  (10) 
missing.  I  have  reason  to  believe  the  enemy's  loss  in  killed,  wounded 
and  prisoners  was  not  less  than  two  thousand. 

For  a  more  detailed  statement  of  the  military  operations  along 
our  lines,  running  through  a  period  of  several  days,  and  resulting  in 
the  signal  repulse  of  the  enemy  at  all  points,  I  must  refer  you  to 
the  reports  of  different  commanders  engaged,  which  I  have  the  honor 
to  enclose  herewith. 

During  the  attack,  our  oflBcers  and  men  behaved  most  admirably  ; 
without  exception,  they  have  merited  the  highest  encomiums.  They 
endured  fatigue  and  exposure  with  patience  and  cheerfulness  ;  they 
met  the  enemy — greatly  outnumbering  them — with  resolution  and 
unflinching  courage. 

Those  to  whom  I  would  call  your  particular  attention,  as  entitled 
to  the  highest  distinction,  are  the  seventeenth,  twenty-second,  twen- 
ty-sixth, twenty-eighth,  and  thirty-first  Louisiana  regiments  ;  forty- 
sixth  Mississippi  regiment,  and  first  Mississippi  artillery,  and  Ward's 


838 

battery  of  light   artillery ;  fortieth,    forty-second,    and   fifty-second 
Georgia    regiments  ;    and    third,  thirtieth,    and    eightieth  Tennessee 
regiments.     The    commanding    officers  of  their   respective  regiments 
deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their  good   conduct,  and  I  do  not  coii- 
Bider  that  I  detract  from  the  merits  of  others  by  calling  your  partic- 
ular attention  to  Colonel  Higgins,  who   commanded  our  batteries  at 
Snyder's  mills;  to  Colonel  Withers,  who  first  commanded  the  force 
at   Chickasaw  bayou,  and  afterwards  at  Blake's  levee  ;    to    Colonel 
Thomas,  who  so  gallantly  checked  the  advance  of  the  enemy  along 
the  Chickasaw  bayou ;   and   to   Colonel  Hall,  M'ho  arrested  his  pro- 
gress after  Colonel    Thomas   was  forced  to  retire  ;  and  to   Colonel 
Morrison,  who  occupied  the  trenches  in   front  of  the  Indian  mound 
from  first  to  last.     They  deserve  well  of  their  country.     To  Major 
General  Smith  the  defences  of  Vicksburg  had  been  entrusted,  and  he 
is  entitled  to  the  highest  credit  for  the  disposition  of  his  troops,  and 
for  his  arrangements  for  defence,    which   rendered   the    place  alraoso 
impregnable.     To  Brigadier  General  Lee,  to    whom  was  confided  at 
first  the  immediate  command  of  all  the  troops  from  the  race-course 
to  Snyder's  mills,  great  praise  is  due  for  his  energy,  courage,  and 
ability,  which  showed  him  fully  equal   to  .the  responsibility  devolved 
upon  him.     His  conduct  throughout  deserves  your  especial  considera-^ 
ticn.     Brigadier  General   Barton,  entrusted  with  a  most  important 
command,  behaved  with  distinguished  coolness,  energy  and  gallantry. 
Brigadier  Generals  Yaughan  and  Gregg,  though  not  so  prominently 
involved  in  the  several  actions  with  the  enemy,  yet   performed  their 
respective  duties  in  an  entirely  satisfactory  manner.     Major  Gene- 
rals Stevenson  and  Maury,  arriving  too  late  to  participate  in  the  more 
active  parts  of  the  engagement,  displayed  the  utmost  zeal,  and  in- 
creased   the    general    confidence    of    our    soldiers    in   their  ability 
,  to    hold  our    advanced    positions    against    any  numbers    the  enemy 
might  bring  against  them.     To  those  members  of  my  staff  who  were 
with  me — Major  J.  Thompson,  Inspector    General    of    department, 
and    Lieutenant    Q.    M.    Morrison,    A.     D.    C,    I    am   especially 
indebted  for  the  prompt  and    efficient    manner  in    which  they  dis- 
charged every  duty  devolved  upon  them. 
I  am,  General,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  C.  PEMBERTON, 
Lieutenant  General  commanding. 


KEPOllT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  M    L.  SMITH, 

Headquarters,  A'^icksburg.  January,  1863 

Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  R.  Waddv, 

A.  A.  G.y  De/partment  Mississippi  ami  East  jA)uisia7ia, 

Jackson,  3Iississippi  : 

Colonel  :  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  a  report  of  the  operations 
during  the  recent  assault  upon  our  lines  by  the  Federal  army,  under 
Major  General  Sherman,  together  with  the  reports  of  the  Generals 
under  iny  command.  A  brief  description  of  the  position  of  the  troops 
and  the  reasons  controlling  their  disposition,  are  first  given.  The 
broken  ridge  of  hills  touching  the  Mississippi  at  Vicksburg  extends 
irf-o  the  interior  in  nearly  a  direct  line,  and  have  a  direction  at  about 
ri^ht  angles  vith  the  general  course  of  the  river. 

The  Ynzoo,  in  its  course,  touches  the  base  of  the  hills  at  a  point 
twelve  miles  in  the  interior,  known  as  Snyder's  mills,  thence  diverging 
frcri  them  empties  into  the  Mississippi  some  six  miles  above  the  city. 
There  is  thus  between  the  hills  and  the  Yazoo,  a  triangular  shaped 
aroa  of  bottom  land,  densely  wooded,  with  the  exception  of  one  or 
two  plantations  on  it,  and  intersected  with  bayous  and  low  swampy 
ground. 

Skirting  the  hills  from  Snyder's  mills,  down  to  near  the  ^Missis- 
Bippi,  is  first  B  swamp,  and  then  an  old  bed  of  the  Yazoo,  containing 
considerable  v^ater,  and  only  to  be  crossed  without  bridging  at  three 
points,  whence  torrents  from  the  hills  have  borne  along  sufficient 
matter  to  fill  up  the  bed.  From  the  termination  of  this  old  bed  to  the 
Mississippi,  c  belt  of  timber  i?  felled,  forming  a  heavy  abattis.  There 
was  thus  a  continuous  obstacle,  twelve  railcs  long,  formed  of  abattis 
and  water,  f-kirting  the  base  of  the  hills  and  but  a  short  distance  from 
them,  tsrniinated  at  one  end  by  our  fixed  batteries  and  fortified  posi- 
tion at  the  mills ;  at  the  other  end  by  the  heavy  batteries  and  field 
works  above  Vicksburg.  Through  this  obstacle  there  are  but  three 
natural  passages. 

It  is  to  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  fortifications  proper  encircling 
this  city  are  dificonnected,  and  entirely  independent  of  the  lines  de- 
scribed, and  the  one  selected  on  which  to  meet  the  enemy.  The 
inquiry  naturally  arises  why  meet  the  enemy  outside  of  our  fortifica- 
tions, and  on  a  line  so  extended  ?  The  reasons  determining  Avere  as 
foliov73:  The  Yazoo  drains  a  section  of  country  of  great  wealth  and 
fertility,  has  its  source  in  the  heart  of  the  State,  is  navigable  at  an 
ordinary  stage  of  the  water  to  the  Mississippi  Central,  and  has  accu- 
mnlatcd  in  its  waters  a  large  amount  of  property  in  steamboats.  All 
this  wealth  of  product  and  boats  it  was  important  to  protect,  but  still 
mere  important  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  getting  control  of  the 
river,  which  once  posssessed  would  give  him  a  base  for  operations 
mo3t  dangerous  to  our  success.  So  long  as  the  works  at  Snyder'a 
mill  was  held,  the  whole  Yazoo  valley  was  defended.  It  was  believed 
these  works  could  be  held  provided  the  enemy  was  forced  to  make  a 


235 

direct  assault  upon  them  from  the  river,  and  not  permitted  to  disen- 
gage himself  from  the  bottom  described,  break  through  our  line,  and, 
by  establishing  himself  in  the  open  country  between  the  mill  and 
Vicksburg,  be  able  to  take  these  works  in  rear.  Another  object  was 
also  acccmplished  ;  the  enemy,  without  gaining  the  hills,  could  make 
no  attempt  to  cut  the  line  of  the  Vicksburg  and  Jackson    railroad. 

The  base  of  the  hills  being  determined  upon  as  the  proper  line, 
preparations  were  made  in  advance  to  guard  the  three  natural  ap- 
proaches to  it,  by  throwing  up  earth  works,  felling  timber,  &c.;  it  was 
further  strengthened  during  the  progress  of  the  attack  as  the  enemy's 
plans  developed  themselves. 

Certain  information  regarding  the  proximity  of  the  enemy's  fleet 
was  first  r^^ceivcd  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  of  December,  and  by 
ten  o'clock  that  night,  seventy-four  transports  were  known  to  be  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo,  together  with  some' twelve 
gunboats,  that  had  previously  arrived.  This  number  was  increased 
during  the  succeeding  two  or  three  days  to  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty. 

At  daylight,  on  the  morning  of  the  25th,  the  troops  of  the  com- 
mand were  ordered  in  the  trenches,  which  they  did  not  leave  again 
until  the  attack  was  abandoned,  except  to  reinforce  different  poUions 
of  the  line  as  circumstances  required. 

The  25th  and  part  of  th.e  26th  were  occupied  by  the  enemy  in  de- 
barking and  making  demonstrations  of  attack,  at  Snyder's  mill,  where 
one  of  their  most  formidable  iron-clads  was  very  severely  handled, 
and  driven  out  of  range,  by  the  open  batteries,  under  the  command' 
of  the  gallant  Colonel  Higgins,  twenty  second  Louisiana  artillery 
The  gunboats  did  not  afterwards  venture  another  attack,  the  iron  ar- 
mor being  rather  readily  penetrated. 

About  noon,  on  the  26tb,  it  began  to  be  apparent  tha^  the  main 
attack  would  be  against  the  centre  of  our  line,  in  the  endeavor  to 
gain  the  high  ground,  by  the  crossing  point  mentioned.  The  availa- 
ble infantry  force,  under  Brig.  Gen.  Lee,  was  accordingly  placed  at 
these  exposed  points,  with  directions  to  hold  the  enemy  in  the  bottom  to 
the  last,  and  give  time  for  reinforcements  to  arrive.  This  was  hand- 
somely done,  and  they  were  gallantly  hel  1  in  check  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  day,  at  the  two  points  where  their  columns  appeared. 

The  arrival  of  three  brigades,  under  Brigadier  Generals  Barton, 
Gregg  and  Vaughan,  during  the  afternoon  and  night  of  the  2Gth, 
added  greatly  to  our  strength  and  confidence.  These  troops  were 
moved  promptly  forward,  and  by  daylight  were  in  position,  thus  ena- 
bling the  exposed  points  to  be  held  in  force,  and  the  whole  front  to  be 
watched  by  skirmishers. 

The  line  was  now  immediately  commanded  as  follows  :  General  Lee 
was  on  the  right.  General  Barton  on  the  centre,  Gen.  Vaughan  on  the 
left.  General  Gregg,  with  his  brigade,  being  held  in  reserve,  though 
subsequently  placed  in  position  between  Generals  Vaughan  and  Bar- 
ton. The  order  was  for  each  brigade  to  draw  reinforcements  from 
the  one  immediately  on  its  left.  The  left  itself  to  be  reinforced  by 
fresh  arrivals  from  the  interior  or  from  the  reserve. 


236 

The  27th  was  apparently  occupied  bj  the  enemy  in  getting  their 
batteries  in  position,  and  preparing  extensive  rifle-pits. 

Earlv  iu  the  morning  of  the  28th,  the  enemy  opened,  with  a  heavy 
fire  of  both  artillery  and  infantry,  along  the  entire  line,  which  in- 
creased with  intensity  as  the  day  advanced,  and  only  ceased  witfe 
night  The  night  of  the  28th  was  spent  by  both  parties  in  placing 
new  batteries  in  position,  strengthening  the  works,  and  preparing  for 
the  morrow. 

At  daylight,  on  the  29tb,  the  attack  conmcnced  with  renewed  fury, 
and  soon  the  appearance  of  a  largely  increased  force  in  front  in'licated 
an  intention  to  assault,  which  was  attempted  almost  simultaneously 
along' the  whole  line.  In  front  of  Gen.  Lee  the  attack  was  the  most  for- 
midable, as  owing  to  the  ground  they  could  deploy  on  a  greater  front, 
thus  taking  advantage  of  their  superiority  of  numbers.  The  assault- 
ing force,  estimated  at  six  thousand,  moved  from  their  concealed  po- 
sition in  the  woods,  advanced  rapidly  on  an  open  space  of  say  four 
hundred  yards,  and  made  a  determined  attack  upon  our  entrenched 
position.  Taken  in  flank  by  the  artillery,  and  met  in  front  by  a  with- 
ering sheet  of  musketry  fire,  the  enemy  struggled  up  to  within  a 
short  distance  of  our  line,  when  he  wavered,  stopped,  and  soon  fled  in 
irretrievable  panic  and  confusion,  strewing  the  ground  with  his  dead 
and  wounded,  leaving  in  our  possession  four  regimental  colors,  and 
five  hundred  stand  of  arms. 

In  front  of  General  Barton,  the  assault,  although  not  made  in  such 
numbers,  was  persisted  in  with  a  tenacity  indicating  a  determination 
of  purpose  to  succeed.  Five  different  times  did  they  attempt  to  storm 
his  most  advanced  works,  each  time  repulsed  with  loss;  and  from 
daylight  until  sunset  the  troops  were  under  as  severe  a  fire  of  mus- 
ketry aind  artillery,  as  it  was  practicable  for  an  enemy,  almost  envel- 
oping them,  to  pour  into  the  Avorks. 

Tlic  formidable  abattis  in  front  of  General  Vaughan,  together  with 
the  batteri-es  in  position  in  the  line  to  his  rear,  seemed  to  have  dis- 
heartened the  enemy  there  from  the  first,  rendering  his  attack  un- 
certain, feeble,  and  easily  repulsed.  His  skirmishers  as  they  advanced 
on  the  fallen  timber,  were  boldly  met  by  our  sharpshooters,  and  their 
progress  arrested.  A  few  well  directed  shots  from  some  twidve  and 
twenty-four  pounders  drove  them  back  into  the  woods,  and  their  masses 
disappeared. 

On  the  3()th,  the  enemy's  fire  sensibly  slackened,  and  permission 
to  bury  their  dead  and  care  fcr  their  wounded  being  granted  on  the 
3l8t,  it  was  not  afterwards  renewed  to  any  extent. 

Our  loss  from  first  to  last  was  sixty-three  (63)  killed,  and  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty-four  (134)  wounded,  and  ten  (10)  missing. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded  and  prisoners,  was  esti- 
mated at  two  thousand  (2000);  it  is  understood  that  they  admit  a  loss 
of  twenty-two  hundred  (2200). 

On  the  30th,  Major  General  Stevenson  having  arrived,  relieved  me, 
by  virtue  of  seniority,  from  the  command  of  the  troops  in  front  of  the 
enemy.     The  manner  in  which  the  troops,  one  and  all,  bore  themselves. 


237 

during  the  six  days  and  nights  of  continuous  service  in  the  field  and 
trenches,  cannot  he  too  much  admired. 

Under  General  Lee,  they  met  the  enemy,  in  superior  numbers,  and 
hurled  him  b;  ck  with  heavy  loss. 

Under  General  Barton,  they  endured  unflinchingly  a  fire  from  which 
veteran  troops  might  well  have  shrunk,  and  gave  a  bloody  reception 
to  his  repeated  assaults. 

Those  under  General  Gregg  and  General  Vaughan  showed  perfect 
steadiness  throughout,  and  gave  evidence  of  reliahility,  should  they 
be  more  particularly  called  upon  to  show  it.  That  the  gallant  officers 
and  men  who  had  withstood  the  bombardment  of  last  summer  should 
show  such  brilliant  qualities  as  soldiers,  I  had  expected  ;  and  most 
faithfully  did  they  fulfill  my  expectations — that  those  muo  came  to 
reinforce  would  do  the  same,  their  officers  knew.  In  no  case  was 
there  disappointment.  As  but  one  of  the  regiments  from  among 
those  originally  with  me  here,  and  that  among  the  most  promising, 
was  necessarily  absent  from  the  field,  it  is  but  justice  to  say  that 
both  officers  and  men  earnestly  desired  orders  to  be  sent  forward  to 
the  line.     This  regiment  was  the  twenty-seventh  Louisiana. 

In  concluding,  I  take  pleasure  in  reiterating  the  terms  of  commen- 
dation in  which  the  officers  of  difi"ercnt  regiments  are  spoken  of; 
they  are  intelligent,  devoted,  gallant  soldiers,  and  deserve  well  of 
their  country. 

To  the  intelligent  activity  of  my  chief  quartermaster  and  commis- 
sary much  praise  is  due.  Cookedrations  were  furnished  the  troops 
during  the  whole  operation,  and  transportation  provided  promptly, 
and  to  the  extent  that  the  resources  both  public  and  private  ad- 
mitted of, 

I  acknowledge  also  the  valuable  services  of  my  immediate  staff. 
I  am,  Colonel,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  L.  SMITH, 
Major  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  STEVENSON. 

Headquarters  Forces  in  Front  of  Vicksborg,  Miss., 

January  7,  1863. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  R.  Waddey,  A.  A.  G., 

Department  Mississippi  and  East  Louisiana  : 

Colonel  :  For  the  information  of  the  Lieutenant  General  com- 
manding, I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report: 

I  arrived  here  on  the  evening  of  the  29th  ultimo,  and  was  placed  in 
command  of  all  the' forces  then  in  front  of  the  ©nemy.  At  an  early 
the  following  morning,  I  repaired  to  the  field  of  action  of  the  previous 
day,  and  assumed  command  of  the  whole  fine,  and  especially  of  the 
left,  composed  of  the  brigades  of  Generals  Barton,  Vaughan  and 
Gregg.  The  right,  extending  from  Rock  Spring  to  Snyder's  mill, 
and  composed  of  part  of  Maury's  division  and  Lee's  brigade,  was  un- 
der the  immediate  command  of  Major  General  D.  H.  Maury. 

All  remained  quiet  during  the  day  in  front  of  General  Maury,  save 
occasional  picket  firing, -although  it  was  evident  that  the  enemy  was 
Btill  confronting  him,  and  in  line  of  battle.  At  daylight  the  attack 
on  General  Barton's  command  was  renewed,  but  with  less  vigor.  The 
firitig,  however,  continued  at  intervals  all  day;  and  the  enemy  was 
foiled  in  various  attempts  to  erect  batteries  at  different  points.  There 
was  also  heavy  skirmishing  during  the  day  in  front  of  General 
Vaughan. 

On  the  morning  of  the  31st,  it  was  apparent  that  the  enemy,  during 
the  night,  had  entrenched  the  front  of  his  entire  line  ;  still  there  was 
no  rcneAval  of  the  engagement.  About  eleven  o'clock  a  fiag  of  truce 
■was  sent  to  our  lines  by  Brigadier  General  Morgan,  U.  S.  A.,  ask- 
ing a  suspension  of  hostilities  for  four  hours,  to  enable  him  to  bury 
his  dead.  The  request  was  granted ;  and  about  two  hundred  dead 
bodies  were  removed  from  the  front  of  that  portion  of  my  line  com- 
manded by  Brigadier  General  Lee,  between  one  and  two  hundred  from 
General  Barton's  front;  and  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  enemy 
removed  many  of  his  dead  during  the  two  nights  just  previous  to  the 
suspension  of  hostilities.  From  a  close  examination  of  the  ground 
occupied  by  the  enemy,  I  think  that  his  loss,  during  the  several  days' 
engagement,  could  not  have  been  less  than  twelve  hundred  men,  prob- 
ably many  more. 

On  the  night  of  the  1st,  there  were  indications  that  the  enemy  was 
landing  troops  at  Snyder's  mill ;  but  early  on  the  morning  of  the  2d, 
it  was  clear  that  there  was  no  intention  of  attacking  that  point,  and 
that  he  was  actually  embarking  his  troops.  Five  regiments,  under 
command  of  General  Lee  and  Colonel  Withers,  were  sent  to  harass 
him  during  this  operation.  One  of  these  regiments  (the  second 
Texas)  pursued  the  retreating  foe  to  the  very  bank  of  the  river  ;  and 
notwithstanding  incessant  and  heavy  fire  from  twelve  of  his  gunboats, 


239 

poured  volley  after  volley  into  his  ranks,  while  he  hurridly  embarlied 
upon  his  transports,  and  steamed  rapidly  beyond  rifle  range. 

For  our  casualties,  and  the  names  of  those  officers  -whose  gallant 
conduct  earn   the  commendation  of  their   superiors,  1  would  respect- 
fully refer  the  coramr^nding  Gederal   to  the  accompanying  reports   nf 
Major  General  Maury,  and  Brigadier  Generals  Lee  and  Barton. 
I  am,  Colonel,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

C.  L.  STEVENSON, 

Major  General, 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  in  Major  General  Stevenson's  cmnmand,  in 
the  engagement  of  the  2Sth,  29M,  and  S^Hh  ultimo,  and  ih^  2>d  in::tant^ 
near  Vicksburg,  Mississippi : 


.ILLED 


Fortieth  Georgia  Regiment. — Sergeant  N,  T.  Gaun,  company  A  ; 
private  J.  A.  Roach,  company  C  :  private  A  II,  Gray,  company  D  ; 
corporal  J.  D.  Kiker,  company  F. 

Forty-Second  Georgia  Regiment. — Privates  John  Rawlins  and  0. 
Richards,  company  B  ;  First  Lieutenant  J.  H.  Younij;,  comrauy  D  ; 
private  J.  M.  King,  company  E;  Second  Lieutenant  W,  R.  Mayfield, 
corporal  D.  McCord,  privates  J.  Reeves,  T.  F.  Thomas,  company  G  ; 
private  J.  S.  Williams,  company  II ;  privates  W,  F.  Bell  and  VV.  R. 
Hicks,  company  I. 

Seventy-Ninth  Tennessee  Regiment. — Privates  Charles  Crusenberry 
and  John  Goodman,  and  corporal  Samuel  F.  Davidson,  company  G; 
privates  William  C,  Lorney  and  John  Evcrhart,  company  B;  private 
William  Harrison,  company  G  ;   Captain  C.  A   Gurlcj,  company  H. 

Eighty-First  Tennessee  Regiment. — Private  F.  McConnell,  com- 
pany A. 

Wounded  : 

Fortieth  Georgia  Regiment. — Colonel  A.  Johnson  ;  private  S.  H. 
Law,  company  B;  privates  M.  J.  Camp,  N.  M.  Brantly  and  0.  N. 
Waters,  company  C  ;  Lieutenant  Johnson  and  private  Reuben  t^ar- 
ban,  company  E ;  Lieutenant  i\Iatthews,  sergeant  M.  M.  Johnson,' 
privates  A.  G.  McKinney  and  H.  P.  Cason,  company  F;  privates  An- 
drew Reed  and  John  Hamilton,  company  G  ;  private  T.  Green,  com- 
pany H;  privates  J.  P,  Jones  and  T.  S.  Bell,  company  I. 

Forty- Second  Georgia  Regiment. — Privates  P.  H.  Strall,  E.  Sudith 
and  J.  W.  Roberson,  company  A ;  private  J.  G,  Bennett  and  first 
sergeant  J.  B.  Mills,  company  B  ;  privates  D.  F.  Clodfellow,  A.  Mc- 
Leod  and  C.  Clay,  company  D  ;  private  J.  Greene,  company  E ;  pri- 
vates T.  L.  Black,  F.  M.  Chandler  and  J.  W.  Shaw,  company  F  ;  pri- 
vate N.  Hendricks,  H.  H.  Green  and  Captain  W.  D.  Malcom,  company 


24U 

G;  first  sergeant  D.   Robinson,  privates  J.  D.  Willis   and^.  C.  Gil- 
letrap,  company  1. 

Forty-Third  Georgia  Regiment. — Lieutenant  Colonel  H.  P.  Bell, 

Fifty-Stcnd  Ocor'gfa  Regiment. — Private  Hardy  Wade,  company  A; 
privates  Enoch  Jennings  and  James  Worley,  company  F. 

Sfventy- Ninth  Tennessee  Regiment. — Sergeant  James  Cary,  com- 
pany F. 

Eightieth  Tennessee  Regiment — Privates  John  Lee  and  William  Har- 
per, company  C;  private  Riley  Vicars,  company  F;  Second  Lieu- 
tenant 13.  F.  Billingsby,  company  G ;  Captain  Joshua  Holcombe 
and  private  Joseph  Selvege,  company  K. 

Eighty-First  Tennessee  }\egiment. — Corporal  James  Fry,  privates 
B.  P.  Boher  and  George  P.  Boher,  company  K. 

Second  Texas  Regiment. — Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  C.  Timmons  ;  pri- 
vate D.  Morse,  company  PL 

Respectfully  submitted, 

C.  L.  STEVENSON, 
Major    General   commanding. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Thompson",  J!.  A.  G. 


RErORT  OF  GENERAL  MAURY. 

Headq'rs  Maury's  Division,  Second  Corps  A.  D.  M.  k  E.  La.,  ) 

Near   Vic/aburg,  January  5,   1863.       ) 

Major  J.  J.   Reeve,  A.  A.   G.  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  for  the  information  of  the 
Major  General  commanding,  that  I  arrived  here  witli  a  small  portion 
of  my  division  about  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  the  3')th  of  December, 
and  took  command  of  the  forces  occupying  the  lines  from  the  signal 
station  to  Snyder's  mill. 

During  the  entire  day  the  enemy  was  in  line  of  battle  in  our  front. 
Besides  occasional  and  picket  firing,  there  was  no  demonstration  of 
attack.  On  the  morning  of  the  3 1  it  I  discovered  that  the  enemy 
had  entrenched  the  whole  front  of  the  line  occupied  by  him  the  pre- 
vious day  About  eleven  o'clock,  A  M.,  he  sent  in  a  flag  of  truce, 
requesting  a  suspension  of  hostilities  for  four  hours  to  enable  him  to 
collect  and  bury  his  dead.  This  was  granted  him,  and  he  removed 
from  the  field  of  General  Lee's  action  on  the  29th  about  two  hindred 
dead  bodies. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1st  there  was  unusual  quiet  along  the  lines 
occupied  by  the  enemy,  and  it  soon  became  evident  that  some  change 
had  been  made  in  his  positions  During  the  evening  it  was  reported 
that  he  was  landing  near  Snyder's  mill,  and  1  therefore  reinforced 
that  point.  Before  daylight  the  report  of  his  landing  a  heavy  force 
to  attack  our  position  at  Snyder's  was  reiterated,  so  that  General  Lee 
went  up  with  several  regiments,  Avhich,  with  the  brigade  of  General 
Herbert,  just  arrived  from  Yazoo  City,  were  sufficient  to  bold  the 
position  until  I  could  reinforce  it.  Before  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  it 
became  evident  that  there  was  no  intention  of  attempting  an  attack 
upon  Snyder's  mill,  and  that  the  enemy  h'd  abandoned  his  attack 
upon  Vicksburg  in  this  direction,  and  was  re-embarking  his  troops. 
Colonel  Withers  was  at  once  sent  with  three  regiments,  and  imme- 
diately afterwards  General  Lee,  with  two  additional  regiments,  to 
harass  the  enemy  while  embarking.  The  gunboats  prevented  this 
force  from  making  any  heavy  attack ;  though  they  could  not  prevent 
the  second  Texa.s  sharpshooters  from  pressing  close  up  to  the  trans- 
ports and  firing  into  the  troops  crowded  on  their  decks,  until  they 
steamed"  beyond  rifle  range. 

I  regret  to  report  that  this  gallant  r«giment  has  again  lost  its  com- 
mander. Lieutenant  Colonel  Timmt)ns,  just  recovered  from  a  eevert 
wound  received  at  Corinth.  He  was  again  very  Seriously  wounded 
in  this  attack  upon  the  transports.  His  gallantry  and  the  fine  con- 
duct of  his  regiment  are  much  spoken  of  by  these  who  observed  them. 

It  is  probable  that  many  of  the  enemy  were  killed  and  wounded  in 
this  affair.  Nine  prisoners  were  captured  and  a  small  amount  of 
stores.  1  believe  that  their  abandonment  of  this  great  military  en- 
terprise is  justly  attributable  to  the  severe  defeat  of  the  enemy  by 
Brigadier  General  S.  D.  Lee  on  the  29th  ultimo,  and  I  desire  here  to 
16 


242 

express  my  thanks  to  that  officer  for  the  manner  in  which  he  has  ena- 
bled me  to  discharge  the  duties  of  this  command.  Throughout  the 
operations  herein  reported,  I  have  relied  upon  General  Lee's  knowl- 
edge of  the  ground  and  of  the  troops,  and  upon  his  admirable  military 
judgment.  He  is  one  of  the  most  energetic,  prompt,  and  eflicient 
soldiers  it  has  ever  been  my  good  fortune  to  serve  with,  and  I  hope 
the  distinguished  services  he  has  rendered  the  country  here  may  be 
acknowledged  by  his  advancement  in  rank  and  command. 
I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully,  yours, 

DABNEY  H.   MAURY,  Major  General. 


Headquarters  Maury's  Division,  ) 
Vicksburg,  January  7,  1863.      S 

Major  J.  J.  Reeve,  A.  A.   G,  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  following  as  the  list  of 
wounded  in  the  second  regiment  Texas  infantry  in  the  reconnoissance 
under  General  Lee  on  the  3rd  instant : 

Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  C.  Flemming,  commanding  the  regiment, 
severely  wounded. 

Private  D.  Moore,  company  H,  slightly. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

D.  W.  FLOWERREE,  A.  A.  G. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  BARTON. 

Headquarters  Brigade,  First  Division.      ) 
E.  K.  SinitJi's  Army,  Vukshuig,  Miss,  > 
January  5,  1863.  ) 

Major  J.  G.  Devereux,  A.  A.  General : 

Major  :  In  compliance  with  directions  from  your  office,  I  have  the 
honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  operations  of  my  command, 
on  the  2Sth,  29th  and  30th  ultimo: 

Soon  after  my  arrival  here,  on  the  27th,  I  was  ordered  by  Major 
General  M.  L.  Smith  to  take  post  with  part  of  my  brigade,  on  the 
road  in  rear  of  the  rifle-pits,  on  the  lake,  some  three  miles  north  of 
'the  city,  and  take  charge  of  the  operations  there.  I  found  the  post 
occupied  by  Colonel  Morrison,  with  his  regiment,  (thirty-first  Louisi- 
ana;) a  section  of  artillery  posted  on  an  Indian  mound  in  rear — all 
supported  by  Rowan's  Tennessee  regiment.  On  the  road,  the  line  of 
skirmishers  to  the  right  and  left  was  strengthened,  and  troops  placed 
in  position. 

At  half  past  four,  A.  M.,  on  the  28th,  the  enemy  opened  with  six 
pieces  and  sharpshooters  on  the  works  and  road,  and  with  a  few  in- 
termissions, kept  up  his  fire  with  increased  force  and  vigor  till  night- 
fall. Rowan's  regiment  was  sent  early  in  the  day  to  General  Lee,  on 
his  call  for  reinforcements,  and  its  place  supplied  by  the  fortieth  '  Geor- 
gia, Colonel  A.  Johnson, 

The  rifle-pits,  sustaining  a  heavy   fire,  and   being  threatened  with 
assault,  were  reinforced  by  five  companies  of  the  regiment,   and   two  ■ 
others  strengthened  the  line  of  skirmishers.     General  Lee  still  needing.- 
troops,  the  forty-second  Georgia,  Colonel  Henderson,  was  sent  him,, 
drawing  the  third  Tennessee  from  General  Gregg,  on  my  left,  to  re- 
place  it.     During  the  afternoon,  the  enemy  having  silenced  the  section 
on  the  mound,  under  fire  of  his  artillery  and   infantry,  concentrated  - 
upon  the  breastworks,  attempted  to  erect  a  battery  at  breaching  dis-,- 
tance.    Major  Ward,  with  two  sections,  was  ordered  to  engage  the- 
enemy's  guns,  to  create  a  diversion  in  favor  of  my  skirmishers,  and 
enable  them  to  prevent  this  work.     This  v,  as  handsomely  and  success- 
fully done,  and  continued  till  darkness  terminated  the  conflict.     The 
night  was  passed  strengthening  the  parapet,  enlarging  the  work,  and  . 
in  re -arranging  and  relieving  the  troops. 

At  daylight,  on  the  29th,  the  attack  recommenced  in  heavy  force,  . 
slackened  in  vigor  about  seven,  A.  M.,  but  renewed  about  eleven,  A. 
M.,  and  lasted  till  after  dark.     The  enemy  made  fin^e   efi'orts  to  take 
the  breastworks  by  storm,  three  times  gained  the  crest  of  the  pcrapet, 
once  made  a  lodgment  and  attempted  to  mine,  but  on  every  occftsion  > 
was  repulsed  with  heavy  loss. 

The  fifty-second  Georgia,  Colonel  Phillips,  reinforced  the  workearly. 
in  the  day.     The  line  of  skirmishers,   formed  by  companies-  of  the 
fortieth  and  forty- second  Georgia,  was  earnestly  engaged  all  day,  and 
held  their  position  steadily  and  gallantly.     The  night  was  spent  as  • 
before,  in  repairing  the  works  and  relieving  the  troops. 


244 

At  daylight,  30th,  the  attack  -was  renewed,  but  with  less  vigor,  only 
three  regiments  and  light  pieces  of  the  enemy  engaging  the  rifle-pits, 
and  Ekirniiphing  and  a  desultory  fire  was  continued  during  the  day. 
The  enemy  endeavored  to  erect  batteries  at  various  points,  but  was 
driven  off. 

I  beg  leave  to  call  attention  to  the  steadiness  and  intelligence  of 
the  troops  under  fire,  and  their  cheerfulness  under  the  fatigue  of  three 
days  and  nights  of  incessant  labor,  watchfulness  and  action. 

My  casualties  amount  to  fifteen  killed  and  thirty-uine  wounded,  ex- 
clusive of  that  of  the  thirty-first  Louisiana,  of  which  no  report  has 
yet  been  received. 

The  loss  of  the  enemy  can  only  be  surmised,  but  was  evidently 
heavy,  nearly  nine  large  grave  trenches,  Avith  capacity  for  seventy-five 
men  each,  were  left  filled;  hundreds  were  permitted  to  be  carried  off, 
and  the  ground  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  front  of  the  breast- 
works gave  frightful  evidence  of  the  great  slaughter  committed  there. 
I  estimate  their  killed  from  these  facts,  at  six  hundred  and  fifty. 
Great  praise  is  due  Colonel  Morrison,  thirty-first  Louisiana,the  offi- 
cers and  men  of  his  regiment,  for  their  good  conduct  throughout.  I 
also  make  favorable  mention  of  Colonel  A.  Johnson,  (wounded,) 
fortieth  Georgia,  Henderson,  forty-second  Georgia,  and  Phillips,  fifty- 
second  Georgia,  Lieutentant  Colonel  Bell,  (wounded,)  commanding 
forty-third  Georgia,  and  Major  K-ellogg,  same  regiment ;  Captains 
Lyons  and  Patterson,  of  my  staff,  as  officers  whose  meritorious  con- 
duct came  under  my  personal  observation,  and  respectfully  refer  to 
subordinate  reports  for  accounts  of  others,  whom  their  commanders 
commended  for  special  merit. 

I  am.  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

S.  M.  LARTON,  Brigadier  General 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  in  the  first  brigade,  first  divisim,  E.  K. 
Smith's  army,  in  the  engagement  of  the  28th,  29/1^,  and^Oth  December, 
1862,  nfar  Vicksburg,  Mississippi: 

Killed  : 

Fortieth  Georgia. — Sergeant  N.  T.  Gaun-,  company  A ;  privates  J. 
A.  Roach,  company  C  ;  private  A.  IL  Gray,  company  D  ;  corporal  J.  D. 
Kiker,  company  F. 

Forty-Second  Georgia. — Privates  John  Rawlins  and  C.  Richards, 
company  B  ;  First  Lieutenant  J.  H.  Young,  company  D ;  private  J. 
M.  King,  company  E ;  Second  Lieutenant  W.  R.  Mayfield,  corporal 
D.  McCord,  privates  J.  Reeves  and  T.  F.  Thomas,  company  G;  J.  S. 
"VYilliams,  company  II ;  W.  F.  Bell,  company  I. 

Fifty-Second  Georgia. — Private  W.  R.  Hicks,  company  I. 

Wounded  : 
Fortieth  Georgia. — Colonel  A.  Johnson ;  privates  S.  H.  LaTf,  com- 


245 

pany  B  ;  privates  M.  J.  Camp,  N,  M.  Brantley  and  C.  N.  Waters,  com- 
pany C  ;  Lieutenant  Johnson  and  private  Reulien  Corban,  company  E  ; 
Lieutenant  Matthews,  sergeant  M.  M.  Johnson,  privates  A.  G.  Mc- 
Kinney  and  H.  P.  Cason,  company  F;  privates  Andrew  Reed  and  John 
Hamilton,  company  G  ;  private  T.  Green,  company  H ;  privates  J.  P. 
Jones,  T.  S.  Bell  and  P.  H.  Strival,  company  I, 

Forty-Second  Georgia. — Privates  S.  R.  Bogwell,  E.  Sudith,  J.  W, 
Roberson,  com,  A  ;  private  J.  G.  Bennett  and  first  serg't  J.  B.  Mills, 
company  B ;  privates  D.  F.  Clodfellow,  A.  McLeod  and  C.  Clay,  com- 
pany D  ;  private  J.  Greene,  company  E  ;  privates  Q.  S.  Black,  F,  M. 
Chandler  and  J.  AV.  Shaw,  company  F  ;  privates  N.  Hendricks,  H, 
H.  Green  and  Captain  W.  D.  Malcom,  company  G ;  first  sergeant  B. 
Roberson,  privates  J.  D.  Willis  and  T.  C.  Gillestrap,  company  I. 

Forty-Third  Georgia. — Lieutenant  Colonel  H.  P.  Bell. 

Fifty-Second  Georgia. — Private  Hardy  Wade,  company  A;  privates 
Enoch  Jennings  and  James  Worley,  company  F. 

Recapitulation. 

Killed.  Wounded. 

Fortieth  Georgia,                      4  17 

Forty-Second  Georgia,           10  18 

Forty-Third           **                 —  1 

Fifty-second          "                   1  .3 

Aggregate,  15  39 

S.  M.  BARTON,  Brigadier  General. 
Official :  John  J.  Reeve,  A.  A.  G. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  VAUGHAN. 

Headquarters  East  Tennessee  Brigade, 
Near   Vicksburg,  Mississippi,  January   10,    1SG3. 

To  Major  General  Stevenson, 

Cortwianding  Forces  in  Front,  [through  Major  Gen.  31.  L.  Sriiith)  : 

Sir  :  I  herewith  report  the  operations  of  my  brigade  during  the 
late  battle  before  Vicksburg.  The  position  assigned  me  was  the  ex- 
treme left  of  the  line  in  front  of  the  trenches  and  covering  the 
abattis  on  the  lake  road.  I  deployed  one  regiment  as  slrirniishers  on 
the  line  of  woods  in  front  of  the  abattis,  extending  frcm  the  river 
bank  to  the  left  of  the  line  of  skirmishers  thrown  out  by  General 
Barton,  holding  the  regiments  of  Colonels  Crawford  and  Rowan  in 
reserve  during  the  progress  of  the  first  day's  fight.  I  was  ordered  to 
reinforce  General  Lee,  and  on  reception  of  the  order  immediately  sent 
the  eightieth  Tennessee,  Colonel  Rowan,  t)  his  support.  On  the 
eveniiig  of  the  third  day  I  was  ordered  to  reinforce  General  Barton, 
whose  left  was  threatened.  I  ordered  the  seventy- ninth  Tennessee, 
Colonel  Crawford,  to  his  support,  which  lefc  me  but  one  regiment  on 
the  extreme  left.  The  enemy  were  in  strong  force  in  front  of  my 
line  of  pickets,  and  made  several  attempts  to  drive  my  forces  from 
the  line  of  abattis  and  woods,  but  failed.  The  troops  of  my  command 
being  new  and  undisciplined,  held  their  position  with  great  steadiness 
and  nerve,  under  a  heavy  fire  at  inte-rvals,  for  two  days,  the  officers 
and  men  both  showing  a  willingness  and  zeal  to  defend  their  ground 
to  the  last  extremity.  The  loss  in  my  brigade  waa  nine  killed  and 
nine  wounded.  The  larger  porj;ion  of  the  AvouHded  have  since  died. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

JOim  C.  VAUGHAN, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


Headquarters  East  Tennessee  Brigade,  ) 
Near   Vicksburg,  Mississippi,  January  4,   1863.       \ 

Major  General  C.  L.  Stevenson, 

Commanding  Forces  in  Trenches  -near   Vicksburg,  Miss.  : 

General:  Herewith  is  appended  a  list  of  casualties  in  my  brigade 
in  the  late  battle  near  Vicksburg : 

Seventy -ninth  Tennessee  regiment,  Colonel    Crawford  commanding. 

Company  G — Corporal  F.  Davidson,  privates  Charles  Crusenberry 
K^ind  John  Goodman,  killed. 

Company  B — Privates  W.  H.  Lunay  and  John  Everhart,  killed. 
Company  F — Sergeant  James  Carey,  badly  wounded. 
Total  killed  and  wounded,  six. 


247 

Eightieth  Tennessee  regiment.  Colonel  Rowan  commanding. 
Company  C — Privates  John   Lee   and   Williim   Hooper,  seriously 
wounded. 

Company  F — Private  Riley  Vicars,  seriously  wounded. 
Company  G — Private  William   Harrison,  killed  ;   Second  Lieuten- 
ant B.  F,  Billingsly,  badly  wounded. 

Company  H — Captain  C.  A.  Gurley,  killed. 
Company  K — Private  Joseph  Selvege,  slightly  wounded. 
Total  killed  and  wounded,  eight. 
JSighty-Jirst    regiment     Tennessee     Volun'eers,     Colonel    F.     E.     Pitts, 

commanding. 
Company   K — Captain  James  Fry,  slightly  wounded ;  private  B. 
F.  Bohcr,  slightly  wounded. 

CoTnpany  A — Private  F.  McConnell,   killed;    private   George   B. 
Bohcr,  wounded,  since  died. 

Total  killed  and  wounded,  four. 

Total  killed  in  brigade,  eight ;  total  wounded  in  brigade,  ten. 

Respectfully, 

JOHN  C.  VAUGHAN. 
OflScial :  Biigadier  General  commanding, 

John  J.  Reeve.  A    A,   G, 


KEi'oKT  jF  r>u I g a dier  geneual  s.  d.  lee. 

Headquarters  Li-.e's  Brkjade,      > 
Vickftburg,  Mlss\,  Jon.  1863.  \ 

Major  John  G.  Devereux, 

A.  A.  General,  2nd  B'lst.,  Dipartment  Miss,  and  JC.  Louisiana. 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  ope- 
rations of  the  troops  under  my  command,  during  the  recent  conflict 
Avith  the  enemy,"  resulting  in  his  abandoning  his  attack  upon  the  city 
of  Yicksburir : 

'I'he  enemy's  tr:ni;-'ports  commenced  making  their  appearance  near 
the  mouth  of  the  Yazoo  on  Christmas  day,  when,  in  compliance  with 
orders  from  Major  General  Smith,  I  took  charge  in  person  of  tJie  de- 
fence of  the  swam.p  from  the  city  to  Snyder's  mills.  Between  that 
point  and  the  city,  was  the  swamp  road  at  the  foot  of  the 
bluffs,  the  average  distance  of  this  road  from  tl.e  Yazoo  being  about 
two  snd  a  half  miles.  The  country  between  the  Yazoo  and  the  road 
is  heavy  bottom  land,  intersected  by  sloughs  and  bayous,  and  con- 
taining the  plantations  of  Captain  W.  H.  Johnson,  Mrs,  Lake,  an'fl 
Colonel  Clarke ;  the  first  two  being  below  Chickasaw  bayou,  which 
bayou  separated  Mrs.  Lake's  plantation  from  Colonel  Clarke's.  The 
bayou  runs  back  from  the  Y'^azoo  and  makes  the  half-wa}'  point  be- 
tween the  city  and  Snyder's  millw.  A  lake  and  swamp  run  almost 
parallel  to  the  road  from  near  the  city  to  Snyder's  mills,  and  at  an 
average  distance  from  it  of  about  one-thiid  of  a  mile,  giving  but  five 
points  through  which  the  enemy  could  reach  the  river  road  from  the 
Yazoo,  excej)t  by  throwing  a  pontoon  bridge  across  the  lake.  These 
point*,  commencing  ne.xt  to  the  city,  are,  first  at  the  race  course,,  two 
miles  from  the  city,  by  a  road  loading  to  Johnson's;  next,  at  the  In- 
dian mound,  four  miles  from  the  city,  where  the  lake  is  dry  for  two 
hundred  yards  ;  next,  at  Chickasaw  bayou,  on  Mrs.  Lake's  plantation, 
(a  good  road  running  along  the  bayou  from  the  Yazoo)  ;  next,  at  Col- 
onel Blake's  levee,  running  hick  from  the  Y'^azoo  almost  to  the  road, 
one  mile  beyond  Chickasaw  bayou  ;  and  at  Snyder's  milTs,  thirteen 
miles  from  the  city,  where  we  have  extensive  fortifications.  Between 
Blake's  levee  and  where  our  fortifications  commence,  about  two  miles 
short  of  i^'nyder's  mills,  is  an  impenetrable  swamp.  The  abattis  of 
fallen  timber  at  the  race  course  was  an  almost  impassable  barrier  to 
the  enemy. 

My  arrangements  were  as  follows  ;  one  regiment,  the  thirty-first 
Louisiana  volunteers,  under  Colonel  Morrison,  and  two  guns  at  the 
mound  ;  four  regiments  and  a  battery  at  Chickasaw  bayou,  and  a  re-* 
giment  between  the  mound  and  the  bayou,  ilifle-pits  were  hurriedly 
thrown  up  at  the  moun<l  and  at  the  bayou,  and  timber  felled  across 
the  lake  for  an  abattis.  The  enemy's  gunboats  had  possession  of  the 
Yazoo  for  about  a  week  previous  to  the  arrival  of  their  transports  on 
Christmas  day. 

On  the  26th  ultimo,  they  landed  in  force  at   Johnson's,  and  at  a 


249 

point  two  miles  above,  one  mile  below  tbe  mouth  of  the  Chickasaw 
ba.you,  driving  in  my  pickets  Colonel  Withers,  with  the  seventeenth 
Louisiana  volunteers,  two  companies  of  the  forty-sixth  Mississippi,  anS 
a  section  of  Wofford's  battery,  was  directed  to  hold  them  in  check 
near  Mrs.  Lake's  plantation.  This  he  did  in  good  style,  driving  them 
from  the  open  field  to  the  woods. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  the  enemy  appeared  in  force,  and 
attacked  Colonel  Withers  with  violence.  The  Colonel  retired  a  short 
distance  up  the  bayou ^  to  a  piece  of  woods,  and  hePd  his  ground 
agftifiSt  a  largely  supeiior  force.  The  enemy  also  appeared  in  force 
in  the  woods  in  front  of  the  Indian  mound,  driving  in  our  skirmishers 
across  the  dry  lake.  They  also  appeared  on  Blake's  levee,  at  the  same 
time  attacking  our  batteries  at  Snyder's  mills.  They  evidently  had 
excellent  guides,  and  attacked  us  at  every  point  where  it  was  possi- 
ble to  reach  the  road. 

On  the  morning  of  the  28th,  the  enemy  again  attacked  the  woods, 
held  the  previous  day  by  Colonel  Withers,  but  now  by  the  twenty- 
eighth  regiment  Louisiana  volunteers,  under  Colonel  Allen  Thomas, 
with  great  violence,  their  force  being  at  least  a  brigade,  with  a  battery 
of  six  guns.  (Colonel  Thomas  held  his  ground  against  this  .superior 
force,  from  about  daylight  till  twelve,  M.,  when  he  retired  in  good  or- 
der. The  enemy  were  highly  elated  at  their  success,  and  followed 
rapidly,  but  a  volley  from  the  twenty-sixth  Louisiana'regiment,  Col. 
Hall  commanding,  near  the  edge  of  the  lake  and  in  temporary  rifle-pits, 
brought  them  to  their  usual  prudence,  and  allowed  the  gallant  twenty- 
eighth  to  move  off  in  safety.  Colonel  Ilall  held  his  pits  in  his  ad- 
vanced position,  against  a  vastly  superior  force,  with  great  coolness  and 
effect.  The  enemy  also  attacked  Colonel  Morrison  at  the  mound,  in 
heavy  force,  and  placed  several  batteries  in  position  opposite  to  him, 
which  kept  up  a  continuous  fire. 

The  enemy,  on  the  evening  of  the  27th,  had  appeared  in  consider- 
able force  on  the  levee,  and  gave  me  much  uneasiness  during  the 
night  of  the  27th.  I  increased  my  force  at  that  point,  and  placed 
Colonel  Withers,  first  regiment  Mississippi  artillery,  in  charge  of  its 
defence,  he  having  at  his  disposal  the  forty-sixth  regiment  Missis- 
sippi volunteers,  seventeenth  Louisiana  volunteers,  and  Bowman's 
battery.     Tiiis  arrangement  was  made  none  too  soon. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  28th,  the  enemy  appeared  in  force  on 
the  levee,  with  artillery,  but  was  handsomely  held  in  check  and  driven 
back  by  Colonel  Withers' command ;  the  fortj-sixth  Mississippi  and 
two  Napoleon  guns,  under  Lieutenant  Johnson,  doing  admirable  ser- 
vice. On  the  28th,  the  enemy,  who  had  landed  a  small  infantry  force 
in  front  of  Snyder's  mills,  disappeared  from  that"  point,  only  two  gun- 
boats amusing  themselves  by  tiring  at  long  range  on  our  works. 
Their  force  in  front  of  my  position  at  Chickasaw  bayou  had  greatly  in- 
creased on  the  evening  of  the  2Sth,  and  it  was  evident  that  my  posi- 
tion wouM  be  attacked  the  next  morning.  During  the  night,  my 
command  was  reinforced  by  two  regiments,  and  mj  line  of  battle 
fixed. 

Before  daylight,  on  the  29th,  Colonel  Hall's  regiment,  twenty-sixth 


250 

Louisiana,  was  withih-awn  from  its  advanced  pits,  and  the  dry  cross- 
ing left  open  to  the  enemy,  as  it  was  desired  ho  should  at- 
tack my  position  in  front.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  29th.  the 
enemy  cautiously  examined  the  advanced  pits,  (vacated,)  not  under- 
standing, apparently,  \vhy  they  had  beon  abandoned  ;  he  was  exceed- 
ingly cautious.  About  nine,  A.  M.,  he  attempted  to  throw  a  pontoon 
bridge  over  the  lake,  to  my  left.  This  was  soon  thwarted  by  a  few 
well-directed  shots  from  a  section  of  Wofford's  battery,  and  a  section 
of  guns,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Tarleton,  of  Major  Ward's  artil- 
lery battalion.  As  soon  as  the  attempt  to  pontoon  the  lake  was  discov- 
ered, my  line  of  battle  was  pushed  to  the  left,  by  two  regiments,  to 
throw  them  in  front  of  the  threatened  point  The  two  regiments 
were  the  forty-second  (Georgia  and  twenty-eighth  Louisiana.  At  the 
same  time,  Colonel  Layton's  fourth  Mississippi  regiment  was  ordered 
to  join  me  from  Snyders  mills,  as  no  enemy  was  at  that  point. 
About  ten,  A.  M.,  a  furious  cannonade  was  opened  on  my  position 
by  the  enemy,  he  at  the  same  time  arranging  his  infautvy  to  storm  ray 
position.  At  eleven,  A.  M.,  his  artillery  fire  ceased,  and  his  infantry, 
six  thousand  strong,  moved  gallantly  up  under  an  artillery  fire,  (eight 
guns)  crossing  the  dry  lake  at  two  paints,  one  being  in  front  of  the 
vacated  pits,  and  the  other  about  two  hundred  yards  distant.  When 
within  four  hundred  yards  our  infantry  opened,  the  enemy  coming 
to  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  my  lines.  Here  our  fire  was 
so  terrible  that  they  broke,  but  in  a  few  moments  rallied  again,  send- 
ing a  force  to  my  left  to  turn  my  left  flank.  This  force  was  soon  met 
by  the  twenty-eighth  Louisiana,  Colonel  Thomas,  and  the  forty-sec- 
ond Georgia,  Colonel  Henderson,  sent  to  the  left  and  in  the  luorniog, 
and  handsomely  repulsed.  The  force  in  my  front  was  also  repulsed. 
Our  fire  was  so  severe  that  the  enemy  laid  down  to  avoid  it.  Seeing 
their  confusion,  the  twenty-sixth  Louisiana,  and  a  part  of  the  seven- 
teenth Louisiana,  were  marched  on  the  battle-field  and  under  their 
cover,  twenty  one  commissioned  officers,  three  hundred  and  eleven 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  were  taken  prisoners,  four 
stands  of  colors,  and  five  hundred  stand  of  arms  captured.  The  en- 
emy left  in  great  confusion,  leaving  their  dead  and  wounded  on  the 
field.  About  eighty  of  their  wounded  were  treated  in  our  hospital. 
Their  dead  on  the  field  numbered  two  hundred.  Many  of  their 
wounded  were  allowed  to  be  carriedoff  by  their  infirmary  corps,  imme- 
diately after  the  fight.  In  this  day's  fight,  their  casualties  could  not 
have  fallen  short  of  one  thousand.  Immediately  after  the  battle,  the 
fire  of  their  sharpshooters  Avas  redoubled.  They  would  not  allow  my 
command  to  care  for  their  wounded. 

The  troops  under  my  command  behaved  with  great  gallantry,  offi- 
cers and  men  ;  and  it  will  be  impossible  to  notice  the  conduct  of  all 
deserving  mention. 

Besides  the  regiments  already  mentioned  for  gallantry,  I  would 
mention  the  third,  thirtieth  and  eightieth  Tennessee  regiments,  oc- 
cupying the  pits,  where  the  enemy  made  their  most  formidable  attack. 
They  displayed  coolness  and  gallantry,  and  their  fire  was  terrific. 
No  reports  having  been  received  from  the  Colonels,  no  names  can  be 


251 

given  as  deserving  special  notice,  but  every  one  did  well.  Colonel 
Higgins,  commanding  the  important  post  at  Snyder's  mi^s,  deserves 
great  credit.  He  commanded  only  as  an  old  soldier  couB^  Though 
often  threatened,  he  was  always  cool  and  self-possessed,  aim  exhibited 
in  his  dispositions,  great  judgment.  Colonel  Morrison  and  his  regi- 
ment, the  thirty-first  Louisiana,  while  under  my  command,  showed 
great  gallantry  and  steadiness.  Their  position  was  a  trying  one. 
Colonel  Morrison's  regiment  at  the  mound  was  transferred  to  Gene- 
ral Barton's  command,  and  I  cannot  speak  farther  of  its  conduct  or 
action,  or  of  what  the  enemy  did  in  its  front. 

I  would  particularly  mention  Colonel  Withers'  first  Mississippi  re- 
giment light  artillery,  Avho  exhibited  high  soldierly  qualities  and 
great  gallantry  ;  first  in  holding  the  enemy  in  check  after  landing, 
and  in  repulsing  him  when  my  right  flank  was  threatened.  His  dis- 
positions were  excellent.  Colonel  Allen  Thomas,  twenty-eighth 
Louisiana,  exhibited  great  gallantry,  and  with  his  regiment  did  splen- 
did service.  Colonel  Hall,  twenty-eighth  Louisiana,  showed  great 
coolness  and  gallantry.  Colonel  Henderson,  forty-second  Georgia, 
Colonels  Clarke  and  Turner,  third  and  thirtieth  Tennessee,  Colonel 
Rowan,  eightieth  Tennessee,  ond  Colonel  Easteling,  forty-sixth  Missis- 
sippi, and  Colonel  Richardson,  nineteenth  Louisiana,  deserve  favor- 
able notice. 

Of  the  artillery,  I  would  particularly  mention  Major  Holmes.  Cap- 
tain Woff'ord,  exhibited  great  gallantry  and  coolness,  and  to  hira  is 
due  more  credit  than  any  one  else,  for  such  defences  as  were  at  Chick- 
asaw bayou  ;  he  having  planned  and  executed  most  of  them.  Lieu- 
tenants Johnson,  Duncan,  Tarleton  and  Meems  behaved  well. 

Of  ray  personal  staff,  I  am  pained  to  anno-unce  the  death  of  Cap- 
tain Paul  Hamilton,  my  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  who  was  killed 
on  the  29th,  by  the  explosion  of  a  caisson,  by  a  shell  from  the  ene- 
my, while  executing  an  order,  He  was  the  most  promising  young  oflS- 
cer  it  has  ever  been  my  fortune  to  meet.  He  was  but  twenty-one  years 
of  age,  but  had  been  in  thirty  battles.  He  Avas  brave  to  a  fault,  al- 
ways foremost  in  danger,  in  the  path  of  duty.  His  gallantry  was 
only  equalled  by  his  modesty  and  strict  performance  of  every  trust 
confided  to  him.  Major  Donald  C.  Stith,  Brigade  Inspector,  behaved 
with  gallantry  and  coolness  under  fire,  and  did  good  service.  Lieu- 
tenant Henry  D.  Lee,  aid-de-camp,  showed  great  bravery.  He  was 
wounded  in  the  hand  bearing  an  order. 

Major  Watts,  Captain  W.  H.  Johnson  and  Lieutenant  Champion, 
volunteer  aid-de-camps,  acted  gallantly,  and  were  of  great  service. 
I  would  also  mention  corporal  Champion,  of  Captain  Johnson's. com- 
pany, in  charge  of  my  couriers,  for  his  bravery.  He  carried  several 
important  orders  under  heavy  fire. 

Dr.  Smith,  a  civilian,  seventy  years  of  age,  acted  as  aid,  and  did 
good  service. 

Enclosed  is  a  list  of  casualties — thirty-six  killed,  seventy-eight 
wounded,  seven  missing,  and  three  deserters  ;  total,  one  hundred  and 
twenty-four. 

Major  General  Maury  arrived  on  the  morning  of  the  30th,  and  as- 


252 

sumed  command.     The  report  of  my   further  operations   vrill  be  sent 
through  liira. 

Please  find  enclosed  reports  of  Colonels  Withers,  Higgins,  Thomas 
and  Morrfpn. 

I  am,  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

S.  D.  LEE, 
Brig.  General,  C.  S.  A.,  commanding  on  Yazoo 


NAMES    OF    COMMISSIONED    OFFICERS    KILLED    AND 

WOUNDED. 

Seventeenth  Louisiana.— Ad^ntant  J.  E.  McGuire,  wounded. 

Twenty-sixth  Louisiana. — Captain  C.  J.  Tucker,  killed. 

Third  Tennessee. — Lieutenant  J.  G.  Bass,  ^Y0unded ;  jMnjor  J. 
Tucker,  killed.    . 

Eightieth  Tennessee. — Captain  Holcomb,  Lieuton^^nt  Billuchiss, 
wounded;   Captain  Gurlup,  killed. 

Twenty-eighth  Louisiana. — Ijieutenant  A.  N.  lloLin,  Captain  Bry- 
ant, kille<l ;  Major  J.  C.  Humble,  Avouuded 

Stalf. — Captain  P.  Hamilton,  assistant  adjutant  general,  killed. 


CONSOLIDATED    REPORT   OF   CASUALTIES    in    Brlg'nlier 
General  S.  D.  Lce^s  command  during  the  recent  engagement. 


Rkuiment. 

iStaflF....: 

Sevontocnth  Louisiana 

Twenty-second  Louisiana. 
Twcnty-bixth  Louisiana.., 
Twcnty-c'iticlith  Louisiana. 

Tliirticth  Tennessee , 

Tliirtl  Terncfsee 

Eij;l)tictli  Tennessee 

Thirty-first  Louisiana 

Fourth  Mis.-issippi , 

Forty-sixth  Mississi|>j)i.... 

Bowman's  artillery 

Drew's  artillery 

Johnson's  cavalry 

Hill's  cavalry 

Wofford's  artillery 

Total 


Killed.  iWoundedi  Missing.   Dkikrtbd 


10 
2 
2 

25 
2 
I 
7 

16 
4 
1 


3t> 


78 


Total. 


1 
12 

3 
10 
43 

2 

2 

y 

25 
4 
I 
1 


124 


253 

LIST  OF  HORSES  killed^  wounded  and  missing   in  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral S.  D.  Lee's  command  during  the  recent  engagement. 


Command. 

Captain  Johnson's  cavalry  company.. 

Captain  Hill's  cavalry  company 

Drew's  ariillery 

Bowman's  artillery 

Total....": 


Killed. 


10 


Wounded 


MISSING;, 


Total. 

! 
3 
8 


15 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  S.  D.  LEE. 

Heauquarteks  Chickasaw  Bayou,  January  6,  1863. 
To  A.  A.  General,  Maury's  Division,   Vicksharg,  Miss. : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  for  the 
information  of  Major  General  Maurj.  Up  to  his  arrival  on  the 
morning  of  the  30th  ultimo,  my  command  extended  from  General 
Barton's  right,  at  Rock  Spring,  to  Snyiler'a  mills,  inoluding  the 
command  at  that  point,  eight  miles.  The  General,  on  his  arrival, 
informed  me  which  troops  he  had  brought,  and  placed  them  at  ray 
disposal  ;  directing  me  to  put  them  in  position,  st-ating  that  he  would 
be  responsible,  but  that  I  should  continue  to  command  the  troops,  as 
he  knew  little  of  the  ground.  I  felt  highly  flattered  at  such  an  evi- 
dence of  his  confidence,  and  beg  leave  to  thank  him  £or  his  generous 
conduct.  During  the  30th,  the  enemy  were  remarkably  quiet  along 
the  whole  line.  There  was  no  artillery  fire  on  tiieir  part,  but  their 
line  of  battle  was  plainly  visible.  On  the  morning  of  the  3 1st  it  was 
discovered  that  the  enemy  had  thrown  up  a  strong  line  of  entrench- 
ments in  front  of  his  line  of  battle,  with  embrasures  for  his  artillery. 
There  was,  however,  a  remarkable  stillness  on  his  part,  and  about 
eleven,  A.  M.,  Brigadier  General  Morgan,  commanding  in  my  front, 
sent  in  a  flag  of  tr.uce,  asking  four  hours  to  bury  his  dead.  It  was 
granted,  and  there  was  no  firing  during  the  rest  of  the  day. 

On  the  1st,  the  unusual  silence  of  the  enemy,  and  the  number  of 
bis  beats  visible  at  the  mouth  of  Chickasaw  bayou,  led  me  to  believe 
that  the  enemy  was  concentrating  his  force  for  an  attack  at  some  point 
either  above  .or  below  Chickasaw  bayou,  and  Colonel  Iliggins,  at 
Snyder's  mills,  was  warned.  During  the  night  of  the  1st  and  2nd, 
frequent  reports  reached  my  headquarters  to  the  effect  that  the  enemy 
wore  landing  in  heavy  force  to  attack  our  works  at  Snyder's  mills, 
and,  by  direction,  I  moved  to  that  point  with  four  regiments,  arriving 
there  before  daylight.  So  soon  as  it  was  dawn,  it  was  evident  that 
the  enemy  intended  no  attack,  but  was  re-embarking.  I  immediately 
returned  to  Chickasaw  bayoa,  and,  by  permission  of  the  Major  Gen- 
eral, pursued  the  enemy  to  the  river,  with  the  second  Texas,  third 
and  thirtieth  Tennessee,  and  the  "twenty-third  Alabama  regiments, 
the  second  Texas  in  front,  the  entire  regiment  being  deployed  as 
skirmishers.  The  enemy  were  found  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  (two 
regiments)  on  the  river  bank,  under  cover  of  their  gunboats,  about 
twelve  in  number,  and  the  river  bank  being  lined  with  their  trans- 
ports. The  second  Texas  advanced  to  wilhin  one  hundred  yards  of 
the  boats  without  opening  fire.  Neither  did  the  enemy  open  on  them. 
I  ordered  the  fire  to  open.  This  most  gallant  regiment,  with  a  dash, 
rushed  almost  up  to  the  boats,  delivering  their  fire  with  terrible  effect 
on  their  crowded  tpansports.  Never  have  I  seen  so  sudden  a  disap- 
pearance from  crowded  vessels,  nor  vessels  move  off  so  hurriedly. 
The  gunboats  at  once  opened  on  the  skirmishers  with  about  twenty 
boat  howitzers  from  their  upper  decks,  and  with  rifles  from  their 


255 

plated  decks.  The  Texans  remained  till  their  troops  had  disappeared^ 
and  as  nothing  was  to  be  gained  by  firing  on  their  iron-clads,  they 
withdrew.  I  regret  to  state  that  the  gallant  Colonel  Timmons,  com- 
manding the  regiment,  was  wounded.  .  I  would  also  mention  that 
Captain  Brown,  of  General  Maury's  staff,  had  his  horse  killed  during 
the  action.  The  enemy  having  all  re-embarked,  I  returned  from  the 
Yazoo.     There  is  nothing  further  worth  reporting. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

S.  D.  LEE, 
Official :  Brigadier  General  C.  S.  A, 

John  J.  Reeve,  A.  A,   G. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  WITHERS. 

Headquarters  in  the  Field,      > 
Chickasaw  Bayou,  January  3il,  1>:'63.  ) 

To  Brigadier  General  S.  D.  Lee, 

Coinmaiiding  brigade  : 

General:  I  respectfully  submitthe  following  report  Of  the  opera- 
tions of  the  troops  you  did  me  the  honor  to  place  under  ray  com- 
mand :  0 

On  Friday  morning,  the  2Gth  instant,  I    received  orders   from  you 
to  assume  command  of  the   defences  at    Chickasaw  bayou.     I  iicrae- 
difttely  proceeded  to  that  point  in  company  with  you,  and  shortly  after 
our  arrival  notice  was   given  that   the    enemy  had    eft'ectid  a  landing 
below,  and  that  three  regiments   of  infantry  and  a    good   squadron  of 
cavalry  were  in  Mrs.  Lake's  field,  in  front  of  our  position.   The  entire 
force  at  my  disposal  at  that  time  was  the  seventeenth  Louisiana,  Col- 
onel Richardson  commanding  ;  the    twenty-sixth  Louisiana,   Colonel 
Hall  commanding;  two  companies  of  the  forty -si.xth  Mis.^issippi,  un- 
der Captain  Hart,  and  Captain  WofTord's  company  of  my  light  artil- 
lery regiment.      The  twenty-sixth  Louisiana    and  the   two  companies 
of  the  forty-sixth  Mississippi  were    itnmediately  thrown    forwatd  and 
deployed  as  skirmishers  across  Mrs.  Lake's  field,  along  the  road  leatU 
ing  from  her  residence  to  the   swamp.     The   enemy  kept   a  continual 
fire  from  their  artillery  alourd  of  the    bcf&ts,  and  their   eharpsliooters 
also  fired  rapidly.     The    abolitionists,  hesitating    to   advance    on  our 
position,  and  their  guns  being  of  longer  range  than   our's,  a  twelve- 
pounder  howitzer,  under  charge    of  Captain    Wofford,  was  advanced, 
and  by  a  few  well-directed  shots,  caused  t4ie  infantry  to  retire  to  the 
cover  of  the  woods.     This  gave    us  possession  of  Mrs.  Lake's   corn- 
crib,  which  had  been  completely  commanded    by  the  enemy's  sharp- 
ehooters,  and  they  were  fired  by  Captain  Wofford  to  prevent  the  corn 
falling    into    possession    of  the    enemy.     The   enemy  having  retired 
from  the  field,  the  twenty-sixth  Louisiana  was  withdrawn  to  the  cover 
of  the  levee,  and  sheltered    as,1nuch  as    possible  from  the  fire  of  tho 
gunboats.     Late  in  the  evening  they  were  relieved  by  the  seventeenth 
Louisiana,  who  passed  the  night  at   and  near   Mrs,   Lake's  residence. 
On  the  morning  of  the  27th,    about    ten  o'clock,   tho  pickets  brought 
information    that   the    enemy  was    advancing   on  our  position  in  two 
directions.     A  portion  of  the  seventeenth  Louisiana,  with  a  howitzer 
of  Wofford's  battery,  was  advanced  to  Mrs.  Lake's  gin-house  to  hold 
in  check  the  forcf  in  that  direction.     Soon    afterwards  the  two  com- 
panies of  the  forty-sixth  Mississippi,  stationed  as  pickets  in  rear  of 
Mrs.  Lake's  residence,  w<}re  driven  in  and  the  enemy  appeared  in  the 
edge  of  the  field  in  considerable  force,  consisting  of  infantry,  cavalry 
and  artillery.     One  of  Captain  Woflford's  howitzers,  under  command 


'  257 

of  Lieutenant  Lockhart,  immediately  opened  on  thcra.  The  enemy 
replied  with  spirit  from  their  battery,  when  a  brisk  artillery  duel 
occurred,  under  cover  of  which  the  howitzer  and  part  of  the  seven- 
teenth Louisiana,  at  the  gin-house,  were  withdrawn,  and  our  force 
concentrated  to  resist  the  attack  now  threatened,  both  in  front  and  on 
our  right  flank.  A  strong  position  was  selected  in  a  narrow  skirt  of 
timber  bordering  the  field,  our  line  of  battle  formed,  and  skirmishers 
thrown  out.  The  ground  being  difficult  to  retire  over  under  fire, 
after  consultation  with  Captain  Hamilton,  of  your  staff,  the  artillery 
was  ordered  to  retire  to  our  regular  line,  and  as  you  had  instructed 
me  to  hold  the  enemy  in  check,  I  determined  to  hold  the  position 
selected  to  the  last  extremity  with  the  infantry.  Whilst  the  enemy 
were  feeling  their  way  slowly,  two  companies  of  the  twenty-sixth 
Louisiana  were  ordered-  across  Chickasaw  bayou  and  take  position 
in  the  timber  on  the  bank,  in  order  to  fire  on  the  flank  of  the  enemy's 
column  as  it  advanced  to  attack  our  position.  Under  cover  of  a  heavy 
fire  of  artillery,  the  abolitionists  advanced  to  the  attack  between  three 
and  four  o'clock.  Their  column  of  attack  consisted,  as  I  subsequently 
ascertained  from  prisoners,  of  the  twenty-second  Kentucky,  sixteenth 
and  thirty-second  Ohio,  with  an  adequate  support.  They  made 
repeated  efforts  to  dislodge  our  force,  but  were  as  often  driven  back, 
and  night  found  us  not  only  in  possession  of  our  position,  but  of  con- 
siderable ground  in  front.  The  abilition  General  Smith  was  wounded 
in  this  skirmish,  and  the  enemy  severely  punished. 

I  cannot  close  the  account  of  this  day's  operations  without  paying 
a  deserved  tribute  to  the  memory  of  the  lamented  and  gallant  Paul 
Hamilton,  your  late  assistant  adjutant  general.  Without  his  assist- 
ance, I  do  not  believe  we  could  have  held  our  position  against  the 
overwhelming  odds  brought  against  us.  He  was  ever  at  the  point  of 
danger,  cheering,  animating,  and  directing  our  officers  and  men.  His 
appearance  seemed  to  have  an  electric  efioct  upon  all  who  saw  him, 
and  he  inspired  all  around  him  with  a  portion  of  his  own  gallant 
spirit. 

About  dark  the  wearied  troops  under  my  command  were  relieved 
by  the  twenty-eighth  Louisiana,  Colonel  Thomas  commanding.  After 
being. relieved,  you  were  kind  enough  to  place  me  in  command  of  the 
right  wing  of  your  line  of  defence.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the 
28th  ultimo,  it  became  evident  that  the  enemy  intended  making  a 
demonstration  on  Blake's  levee,  which  was  within  the  line  assigned 
me,  and  I  received  instructions  from  you  to  hold  it  at  all  hazards. 
The  position  was  one  well  calculated  to  be  successfully  held  by  » 
small  force  against  great  odds  The  levee  followed  the  bank  of  Thomp- 
Bon's  lake  until  it  approached  Chickasaw  bayou,  when  it  turrred 
almost  at  right  angles  from  the  lake,  (the  bed  of  which  just  at  this 
point  happened  to  be  dry  at  this  pla3e  and  time,)  and  followed  the 
bank  of  Chickasaw  bayou.  Just  within  the  angle  where  the  leved 
made  the  turn  was  a  slash  or  pond  of  water,  from  knee  to  waist  deep. 
In  the  dry  bed  of  the  lake,  near  the  turn  of  the  levee,  the  timber  had 
been  cut  away,  forming  an  abattis,  difficult,  but  not  impossible  to 
pass.  The  levee  was  defended  in  the  morning  by  one  company  of  the 
17 


253 

twenty-sixth  Louisiana,  (which  was  subsequently  withdrawn.)  and 
seven  couipaiaes  of  the  forty-sixth  Mississippi,  under  Lieutenant  Col. 
Easterling.  A  portion  of  them  were  deployed  as  skirmishers  at  the 
Lend  of  .the  levee  and  along  the  bank  of  it  that  ran  ahnig  Chicka- 
saw bayou  The  skirmishers  of  the  enemy  occupied  that  part  of  the 
levee  that  was  on  the  bank  of  Thompson's  lake,  and  also  all  the  dry 
ground  in  the  angle  of  the  levee.  Heavy  skirmishing  continued  from 
early  in  the  morning  until  about  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  A  section  of 
Napoleon  guns  from  company  A,  my  light  aitilleiy  regiment,  onder 
Lieutenant  Frank  Johnson,  were  in  position  so  as  to  command  the 
turn  of  the  levee  and  that  portion  of  its  slope  next  to  Thompson's 
lake,  and  also  the  narrow  strip  of  timber  land  between  the  levee  and 
the  lake.  Three  guns  of  Captain  Bowman's  battery  were  so  posted 
as  to  play  on  the  enemy  in  case  they  should  dislodge  our  skirmishers 
and  turn  the  angle  of  the  levee.  ' 

About  nine  o'clock,  A.  ^L,  the  enemy  opened  on  our  troops  with  a 
battery  they  had  brought  from  the  Yazoo  along  the  levee,  and  soon 
afterwards  I  discovered  a  column  of  attack  formed  in  the  timber,  con- 
sisting of  three  regiments.  The  space  between  the  lake  and  levee 
being  narrow,  the  column  had  only  a  front  of  one  section,  which  gave 
us  a  decided  advantage.  They  threw  forward  their  skirmishers,  cov- 
ering the  entire  space  between  the  lake  and  levee,  and  attempted  to 
advance,  but  time  and  again  were  repulsed  by  the  well-directed  spher- 
ical-case shot  from  Lieutenant  Johnson's  Napoleons,  and  the  vigilance 
and  determination  of  the  forty-sixth  jMississippi,  Once  the  column 
of  attack  advanced,  but  were  soon  checked  and  forced  to  retire  by  the 
fire  of  our  artillery.  Whilst  Lieutenant;  Johnson's  section  was  hold- 
ing this  column  in  check,  they  were  exposed  not  only  to  the  fire  from 
the  battery,  but  also  to  the  cross-fire  from  the  Parrott  guns  in  the 
point  of  woods  opposite  our  centre.  Tlie  enemy  were  held  in  check 
all  day  at  this  point,  evidently  fearing  to  make  the  assault.  The  re- 
serve of  infantry  and  artillery  on  the  right  had  no  opportunity  during 
the  day  to  take  part  in  the  action,  but  were  annoyed  occasionally  by 
shot  from  the  enemy's  artillery.  A  section  of  Captain  Woiford's  bat- 
tery, under  Lieutenant  Meems,  posted  in  the  main  road  on  the  ex- 
treme left  of  my  command,  were,  after  eleven  o'clock,  under  a  heavy 
fire  from  the  enemy's  Parrott  guns  and  sharpshooters  in  the  point, 
and  behaved  with  great  gallantry. 

Before  daylight  on  the  21Hh  ultimo,  the  troops  with  which  you 
reinforce!  the  right  went  into  position,  expecting  an  assault  on  Blake's 
levee ;  but  by  nine  o'clock  I  became  satisfied  that  the  enemy  had 
shifted  their  position,  and  were  massing  their  forces  on  our  centre, 
and  also  notified  you.  A  little  after  noon  heavy  firing  on  your  centre 
indicated  that  the  enemy  were  about  to  storm  your  position.  The 
seventeenth  and  twenty-sixth  Louisiana  regiments,  and  one  gun  from 
company  E,  under  Lieutenant  Duncan,  was  promptly  ordered  to  the 
centre.  Soon  after,  a  section  of  company  I,  under  Captain  Bowman, 
was  also  sent  you  from  the  right.  The  enemy  now  made  a  formidable 
assault  on  your  centre,  and  were  played  upon  from  the  right  by  Lieu- 
tenant Johnson's  Napoleons  and  a  six-pounder  of  company  I,  under 


259 

Lieutena^nt  Tye,  va'iih.  marked  effect.  The  assault  was  unsuccessful, 
and  the  enemy  were  di'iven  back  with  terrible  slaughter.  As  they 
retreated  in  -wild  confusion  across  the  bed  of  the  dry  lake,  one  of  the 
Parrott  guns  of  company  F  opened  upon  them  from  the  right,  taking 
them  in  their  flank,  and  adding  greatly  to  their  confusion.  After 
their  retreat  I  notiised  a  column  of  the  enemy  again  advancing  on  you, 
which  was  soon  put  to  flight  by  a  few  well-directed  shots  from  Lieu- 
tenant Duncan's  gun,  sent  you  from  the  right.  On  the  3t)th,  3 1st, 
and  1st  instant,  all  was  quiet  on  the  right.  Early  on  the  morning  of 
the  2d  instant,  anticipating  that  our  position  at  Blake's  levee  would 
again  be  attacked,  you  sent  me  reinforcements.  The  thirty-seventh 
Alabama  Avas  relieved  by  the  thirty-fifth  Mississippi,  and  the  twenty- 
eighth  Louisiana,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Landry,  was  sent  to 
Chickasaw  bridge,  as  a  reserve  to  support  the  right  wing,  or  to  go  to 
Snyder's  bluff,  in  case  of  attack  there.  Whilst  you  were  absent  at 
Snyder's  bluff,  my  position  was  further  reinforced  by  the  twenty-third 
Alabama,  Colonel  Beck  commanding,  and  I  Avas  ordered  by  General 
Maury  to  go  to  your  assistance  iii  case  you  were  attacked  at  Snyder's 
bluff  and  needed  reinforcement,  Avith  the  entire  disposable  force  on 
the  right. 

Learning  that  the  enemy  were  probably  re-embarking,  1  was  or- 
dered by  General  Maury  to  follow  them  to  their  transports,  and  feel 
them,  if  practicable.  Just  at  this  time"  I  met  you,  on  your  return. 
from  Snyder's  bluff.  Immediately  the  thirty-fifth  Mississippi,  twenty- 
eighth  Louisiana,  and  twenty-third  Alabama  weieput  in  motion,  and,. 
crossing  ChickasaAv  bayou,  Avere  advanced  as  rapidly  ag  possible. 
Throwing  out  a  line  of  skirmisheas  in  front,  through  the  woods  where 
the  enemy  had  been  encamped,  and  finding  their  cvmps  all  deserted, 
and  the  ground  strewn  with  the  debris  of  a  retreating  and  panic* 
stricken  army,  the  column  passed  on  toAvards  the  Yazoo  river,  cap- 
turing nine  prisoners  and  a  quantity  of  armj  stores.  I  intended  dir 
viding  the  force  and  recrossing  Chickasaw  bayou  into  Mrs.  Lake's 
field,  with  two  of  the  regiments,  but  finding  that  you  were  sioving 
down  that  side  of  the  bayou  with  a  considerable  force,  .by  you:;  orders 
the  third  Alabama  was  sent  over  to  you,  and  the  other  two  regiments 
were  pushed,  rapidly  to  the  vicinity  of  the  transports  and  gunboats. 
Hoping  that  the  enemy  Avould  advance  to  attack  your  force,  I  formed 
a  line  of  battle  as  quickly  as  possible  on  the  bank  of  the  bayou,  in- 
tending to  take  their  column  of  attack  in  the  flank  if  it  ad^vanced  on 
you;  but  our  expectations  Avere  not  realized,  as  the  abolitionists  de- 
clined the  battle,  though  offered  them  on  an  open  field,  aB<l  within  a 
few  hundred  yards  of  their  boats,  and  contented  themselves  with 
shelling  the  ground  previou'-ly  occupied  by  our  forces.  The  forces 
under  my  command  remained  in  line  of  battle  until  I  received  orders 
from  you,  in  person,  to  return  to  camp. 

It  affords  me  pleasure  to  bear  testmony  to  the  general  good  con- 
duct of  the  officers  and  men  placed  by  you  under  my  command.  A 
list  of  casualties  Avill  doubtless  be  furnished  you  by  the  different  regi- 
mental commanders. 

I  shall  make  a  separate  report  of  the  part  taken  in  the  different  ac- 


260 

tions  by  all  the  batteries  of  my  light  artillery  regiment  that  were  on 
on  the  ground. 

I  am,  General,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  T.  WITHERS, 
Colonel  First  Mississippi  Light  Artillery 

OflBcial : 

J.  G.  Devereux,  a.  a.  G. 


Y 


REPORT  OF  C0;L0NEL  HIGGINS. 

Headquarters  Snyder's  Mills, 
December  30,  1862. 

Brigadier  General  S.  D.  Lee,  commanding  Brigade  : 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  that  at  two,  P.  M.,  December 
27th,  the  enemy's  gunboats  were  seen  coming  up  the  river ;  in  a  short 
time  a  launch  and  several  boats  came  around  the  point  immediately 
below  the  batteries.  Two  shots  were  fired  at  them,  which  caused 
them  to  retire.  In  a  few  minutes  a  steamer,  an  immense  iron-clad, 
between  three  hundred  and  four  hundred  feet  in  length,  rounded  the 
point  and  made  fast  to  the  other  shore,  and  engaged  our  batteries. 
Her  fire  was  returned  with  spirit  and  precision;  the  sound  of  our  shot 
was  distinctly  heard  to  strike  the  iron-clad,  and  it  is  believe^d  several 
penetrated  her  hull. 

About  three,  P.  M.,  two  Federal  gunboats,  stationed  behind  the 
point,  opened  with  shell  upon  our  batteries.  A  launch  belonging  to 
the  enemy,  was  struck  and  turned  over  by  one  of  our  shots.  About 
five,  P.  M.,  the  enemy  being  repulsed,  returned  down  the  river.  The 
batteries  and  works  were  not  injured.  The  casualties  were  one  killed 
and  two  wounded,  all  of  the  twenty-second  Louisiana  regiment.  Much 
praise  is  due  IMajor  George  Purvis,  twenty-second  Louisiana,  who 
commanded  the  batteries,  and  the  men  and  officers  under  his  command, 
for  their  gallant  conduct  during  the  engagement. 
I  am,  General,  very  respectfully, 

EDWARD  HIGGINS, 

Colonel  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  COLJINEL  THOMAS. 

Headquarters  in  the  Field, 
January  2,  1863. 

General:  In  obedience  to  orders,  I  took  position  on  the  evening 
of  the  27th  ultimo,  in  the  advance  on  Mrs.  Lake's.place,  across  Chick- 
asaw bayou,  relieving  Colonel  Richardson's  command,  whicli  had  just 
been  hotly  engaged  witk  the  enemy.  Early  on  Sunday  morning,  the 
enemy  opened  on  my  advance,  Avhich  I  had  placed  in  a  shallow  ravine, 
the  nature  of  the  ground  being  such  as  to  afford  the  best  protection 
to  the  command.  My  advance  succeeded  in  holding  in  check,  for 
some  time,  a  very  large  force  of  the  enemy,  but  were  finally  dislodged 
and  driven  in,  when  1  advanced  my  reserve  and  drove  the  enemy  back. 
Having  received  large  reinforcements,  the  enemy  again  renewed  the 
attack,  ayd  after  several  hours  hard  fighting,  my  ammunition  being 
nearly  exhausted  and  the  men  wearied,  I  ordered  them  to  fall  back. 

As  I  was  retreating,  I  met  a  messenger  from  you,  Avith  promises  of 
reinforcement.  I  again  rallied  my  men,  and  re-occupied  the  ground, 
dislodging  the  enemy  from  the  woods,  which  they  then  occupied  in 
large  force.  The  enemy  soon  after,  being  largely  reinforced,  renewed 
the  fight  with  great  vigor,  and  having  thrown  a  force  much  larger  than 
my  own,  on  my  right  flank,  while  he  threatened  my  left  with  his 
cavalry,  he  again  compelled  me,  before  the  promised  reinforcements  had 
arrived,  to  fail  back,  when  at  half  past  twelve,  P.  M  ,  I  succeeded  in 
withdrawing  my  command,  with  little  loss.  The  position  was  held 
six  and  a  half  hours  from  the  first  attack,  against  largely  superior 
numbers.  My  losses  were  nine  killed,  twenty  five  wounded,  six.  missing 
and  three  deserters.  The  prisoners  captured  the  following  day,  stated 
that  we  had  engaged  Blair's  brigade,  said  to  number  seven  or  eight  thou- 
sand men,  and  had  killed  and  wounded  upwards  of  four  hundred  of  the 
enemy.  All  the  officers  and  men  behaved  with  the  utmost  gallantry, 
it  being  invidious  to  particularize.  Among  the  killed,  I  deeply  regret 
the  loss  of  Fir&t  Lieutenant  W.  Robin,  commanding  company  K,  a 
gallant  and  accomplished  soldier,  who  died  on  the  field. 

All  of  which,  General,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit. 
Very  respectfully, 

ALLEN  THOxMAS, 
Colonel  commanding  Twenty-eighth,  Louisiana. 

Official ;  H.  B.  Lee,  First  Lieut,  and  A.  D.  G. 


Headquarters  in  the  Field, 
January  2,  1863. 

General  :  Having  received  orders  from  you,  on  the  morning  of  the 
27th  ultimo,  to  move  my  regiment  to  your  left,  to  prevent  the  comple 
tion  of  a  pontoon,  about  to  be  thrown  across  the  bayou,  by  the  enemy, 


263 

I  advanced  my  regiment  to  that  point,  under  a  very  galling  fire  from  the 
enemy'^  artillery  and  sharpshooters.  I  immediately  placed  two  com- 
panies of  th'e  twentieth  Louisiana,  and  four  companies  of  the 
forty-second  Georgia  on  a  mound,  opposite  to  and  commanding 
the  pontoen.  The  enemy  had  here  massed  a  considerable  force, 
whose  incessant  fire  caused  us  consilerable  loss.  Our  force,  how- 
ever, succeeded  in  holding  them  in  check,  preventing  the  completion 
of  the  bridge.  At  about  half  past  eleven,  A.  M.,  I  observed  the  ene- 
my crossing  the  bayou,  in  large  force,  aiM  forming  line  of  battle,  with 
the  evident  intention  of  storming  our  works.  At  the  same  time  he 
threw  out  a  force  across  a  fence  to  your  left,  opposite  my  extreme 
right,  for  the  purpose  of  turning  your  flank  I  immediately  advi;noed 
the  remaining  companies  of  the  twenty-eighth  Louisiana  and  forty- 
second  Georgia  to  my  right,  compelling  the  enemy  to  retire  with 
considerable  slaughter.  About  this  time  you  had  completely  routed 
his  cokimns  which  had  attacked  your  centre.  The  line  Avhich  I  had 
been  placed  in  charge  of  was  incessantly  annoyed  by  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters,  who  were  in  very  easy  range,  as  it  was  near  the  woods 
which  he  occupied.  This  caused  the  loss,  on  our  side,  of  a  number  of 
brave  men,  compelling  me  to  keep  the  men  covered  by  day;  at  night, 
however,  I  succeeded  in  throwing  up  temporary  breastworks.  The 
brigade  which  I  had  the  honor  io  command,  consisting  of  the  second 
Texas,  twenty-eighth  Louisiana,  fou  th  Mississippi,  forty-aecond  aii'l 
thirtieth  Alabama,  behaved  well,  evincing  a  strong  desire  to  meet  the 
enemy.  My  thanks  are  due  to  Lieutenant  J.  G.  Clark,  who  had  been 
ordered  to  report  to  me,  for  efiici^t  service.  All  of  which,  GenerrJ, 
I  have  the  honor  to  submit. 

ALLEN  THOMAS, 
Colonil  commanding  Brigade. 
Official :  H.  B.  Lek,  First  Lieut,  and  A.  D.  C. 


REPORT  OF  COLOjSEL  MORRISON. 

Headquarters  Tuirtv-fiust  Regiment  Louisiana  A'^ollnteers,  ) 

Lei^s    Brigade,  January  4,    1S63.       J 
Major  D.  C'Stith,  A.  A.  A.  G.  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  part  taken  hj  mv  regiment 
in  the  recent  engagement  wlfci  the  enemy  on  the  lines  near  the  Yazoo 
river,  on  the  27ih,  2bth  and  2f)ih  of  December,  1862,  with  the  casual- 
ties. On  the  2Gth  I  occupied  the  ground  in  front  of  the  Indian v 
mound  'vvith  my  command,  three  hundred  and  twenty  strong,  put  out  ' 
pickets,  and  bivouacked  for  the  night.  Early  on  the  27th  I  threw 
forward,  some  four  or  five  hundred  yards,  three  companies  as 
ekirmishers,  to  protect  laborers  employed  in  throwing  up  some  en- 
trenchuients  and  felling  an  abattis  in  our  front,  under  the  direction 
of  Captain  Winter,  of  the  engineer  corps.  About  three  o'cloclo'in 
the  evening  these  bkirnushers  were  driven  in  by  a  superior  force  of 
the  enemy.  Hidden  from  view  by  the  dense  woods  and  fallen  timber 
in  our  front,  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  opened  upon  us  a  brisk  fire, 
which  they  continued  till  nighr,  During  the  night  our  works  were 
extended  and  strengthened.  Two  guns  of  Drew's  artillery,  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  Duncan,  were  placed  in  battery  on  the  mound 
in  our  rear,  the  same  night.  On  Sunday  morning,  the  28th,  between 
four  and  five  o'clock,  the  fire  was  opened  in  front  cf  our  position  by 
the  enemy  with  two  batteries,  whiph  they  had  planted  during  tho 
liight  previous.  Our  little  battery  on  the  mound  re-opened  in  gallant 
fityle  until  after  daylight,  when  the  sharp.'-hooters  rendered  it  impos- 
feible  to  man  the  gun.s,  except  at  occasional  intervals.  At  the  dawn 
of  day  the  fire  from  the  sharpshooters  and  musketry  wasopened  upon 
our  lines,  and  applied  so  well  from  theif  cover  that  it  was  almost  im- 
fosaible  for  a^man  to  show  himself  above  the  works  without  being 
instantly  killed.  The  fire  from  their  artillery  and  small  arms  was 
continued  until  after  dark,  without  our  being  able  to  reply  with  any 
t fleet  Duiing  the  day  I  was  reinforced  by  about  one  hundred  men 
from  the  foilieih  Georgia  regiment,  to  whom  I  was  much  indebted  for 
their  coolness  and  cheerful  obedience.  On  Sunday  night  our  works 
vere  strengthened  and  iraproveol. 

On  Monday  morning,  the  39th,  before  daylight,  the  attack  was  re- 
newed by  the  enemy,  ^vith  more  force  and  determination  than  on  the 
d:iy  previous..  Early  in  the  day,  I  began  to  reply  to  his  fire  at  short 
intervals.  About  noon  the  firing  became  general  on  both  sides,  ter- 
minating only  when  it  became  too  dark  to  fire  except  at  random. 
About  one  o'cluck  an  attempt  was  made  in  force  to  storm  our  works 
on  tbe  extreme  lefr,  occupied  by  company  B,  Captain  R.  D.  Budger, 
which  was  gallantly  repulsed,  only  one  of  the  enemy  being  able  to 
reach  the  works,  when  he  fell  instantly.  The  effort  to  storm  the 
works  was  renewed  about  two  o'clock,  with  much  less  determination 
tlian  at  first.  Repeated  attempts  were  subsequently  made  to  eff'ect  a 
breach  in  our  fortifications  with   entrenching  tools.     These  attempts 


I 


r  265 

were  all  successfully  resisted,  and  those  of  the  enemy  who  reached 
the  desired  position  were  generally  driven  off.  By  night  we  had 
driven  the  enemy  back  under  cover  of  the  woods  and  fallen  timber. 
During  the  hottest  part  of  the  engagement,  I  was  reinforced  on  the 
left  by  the  fifty-second  Georgia  regiment,  Colonel  Philips,  to  whom 
we  were  much  indebted  for  the  final  repulse  of  the  enemy.  The  total 
casualties  in  my  regiment  were  eight  killed  and  seventeen  wounded, 
one  of  whom  has  since  died.  I  have  no  report  of  the  casualties  in 
the  fortieth  or  fifty  second  Georgia  regiments,  though  they  each  suf- 
fered to  some  extent.  I  have  no  means  of  knowing  with  any 
correctness  of  the  loss  of  the  enemy,  though  I  am  persuaded  it  was 
very  considerable,  from  the  evidences  on  the  field,  which  was  hastily 
scanned,  as  far  as  could  be  seen,  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Griffin,  of  my 
regiment,  during  the  truce  on  the  30th,  The  enemy  gathered  up 
nine  dead  bodies  very  near  our  breastworks,  the  rest  having  been 
removed  under  cover  of  the 'woods  and  night.  About  twenty  were 
counted  on  other  parts  of  the  fields  during  the  engagements.  The 
attack  was  principally  on  our  left  wing,  owing  to  the  position  of  our 
works  and  the  ground  occupied  by  the  enemy.  I  might  state  many 
instances  of  individual  gallantry,  but,  as  it  is  impracticable  to  men- 
tion them  all,  I  refrain  from  mentioning  any.  I  take  great  pleasure, 
however,  in  bringing  to  your  attention  Mr.  William  Pasco,  of  the 
"  Whig  "  office,  who  took  a  dispatch  from  one  of  General  Barton's 
couriers  and  volunteered  to  bring  it  to  me,  through  the  thickest  of  the 
fight  on  Sunday,  the  28th,  at  the  imminent  risk  of  his  life. 
All  of  which  is  very  respectfully  submitted. 

C.  MORRISON, 
Colonel  Thirty-first  T^xiisiana  Regiment,  Lee^s  Brigade. 
Official  : 

II.  B.  Lke,  First  Lievtenant  end  A.  D.   C. 


OPER^TIOlsr! 


ON  THE 


TALLAHATCHIE  &  YAZOO  RIVERS. 


REPOltTOF  GENKUAL  LOllING. 


Headquarters  Fort  PexMberton,      > 
•  Near  Grecjiwood,  3Iiss.,  April  15,  1863.  ) 

To  His  Excellency,  Jefferson  Davis, 

President  Confederate  States  of  America  : 

SIr  :  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  you  a  copy  of  my  reports  of  ope- 
rations on  the  Tallahatchie  and  Yazoo  rivers,  together  with  a  map  of 
the  fort  and  its  surroundings 

Since  writing  the  report  the  enemy  have  gone  into  the  Mississippi 
river. 

With  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.  W.  LORING, 
Major  General  commanding. 


Headquarters  Fort  Pemberton,      > 
^  Near  Greenwood,  Miss.,  April  12,  1863.  \ 

Major  R,  W.  Memminger,  A.  A.  General : 

MAJ<iR  :  I  had  the  honor  to  make  to  you  a  report  of  the  operations 
of  this  command,  up  to  the  22nd  March  1863  : 

The  enemy,  after  getting  one  hundred  miles  up  the  Tallahatchie,  was 
heavily  reinforced,  and  returned  fully  determined  to  make  a  deadly  at- 
tack upon  these  works.  During  their  short  absence  we  greatly  strength- 


268 

ened  our*lines,  and  were  fully  prepared  to  give  them  a  warm  reception,  * 
We  waited  a  s^rt  time  after  their  arrival  in  the  hope  that  they  Avould 
muster  courage  to  attack  us,  but  it  seems  that  it  failed  them  in  the 
critical  moment.  We  then  commerTced  the  offensive  by  driving  away 
their  laboring  parties  from  the  works  intended  for  batteries,  and  get- 
ting our  lines  of  fire  upon  their  camps,  and  the  direction  of  their 
forces  for  the  support  of  their  pickets,  under  the  direction  of  General 
Tilghman. 

We  commenced  shelling  on  the  evening  of  the  2nd  April,  and 
continued  through  the  3rd  and  'Ith.  In  the  meantime  a  forced  recon- 
noisance  was  made  from  our  left  by  General  Manney.  A  considera- 
ble force  was  also  displayed  upon  our  right. 

While  our  fire  was  destructive  to  their  crowded  camps,  our  action 
from  right  to  left  alarmed  them  very  much;  and  in  the  night  of  the 
4th  of  April,  they  commenced  embarking,  and  by  daylight  they  were  . 
in  rapid  retreat  up  the  river.  We  can  hear  of  them  steaming  towards 
the  pass;  how  far  they  have  got,  we  arc  not  ftilly  advised,  but  think 
they  will  go  entirely  through  to  the  Mississippi.    . 

I'beg  leave  here  to  mention,  that  in  consequence  of  the  extensive 
overflow  of  both  sides  of  the  Tallahatchie  and  Cold  Water  rivers,  it  was 
impossible  to  get  to  the  river,  except  in  small  canoes. 

Enterprising  and  gallant  officers' of  this  command,  Colonel  A.  E. 
Reynolds,  twenty-six  Mississippi,  Lieutenant  Henry,  sec*or;d  Texas, 
and  Captain  George  Mott,  commanding  a  detachment  of  McCullochs, 
made  their  boats  for  the  purpose  ;  the  latter  fortunately  reached  the* 
enemy  and  fired  upon  them  with  small  arms,  killing  several,  and  upon 
one  occasion  fired,  from  a  field  piece  which  we  sent  him,  three  shots 
into  a  transport  loaded  with  troops,  disabling  the  transport  and  doing 
consiiJerable  execution. 

I  have  also  to  mention  that  a  party  of  State  troops,  under  command 
of  Major  Sidell,  fired  into  them,  and  on  several  occasions  our  cavalry, 
on  this  side  of  the  river,  annoyed  them. 

In  order  to  strike  them  successfully,  in  the  future,  I  would  recom- 
mend that  large  canoes  be  ordered.  They  can  be  readily  made  along 
the  river,  and  guns  usually  used  by  the  navy,  six  or  twelve-pounders 
breech-loading,  be  obtained  for  the  purpose. 

I  have  no  doubt  that  two  regiments  scattered  along  the  Tallahatchie, 
Cold  Water,  and  Sun  Flower,   under   men    of  energy    and   courage, 
would  break  up  any  expedition  the  enemy  might  send  here  in  future. 
With  respect,  1  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

W.   W.  LORING. 
Major  General  commanding. 

True  copy : 

II.  Robinson,  A.  A.  General, 


269 


BATTLE  OF  THE  TALLAHATCHIE. 

Headquarters  Fort  Pemberton, 
Near  Greenwood,  Mississippi,  March  22,   1863. 

Major  R,  W.  Memminger,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Major  :  I  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  report  of  operations 
on  the  Yazoo  and  Tallahatchie  rivers  : 

In  accordance  with  your  instructions,  I  left  Jackson,  Mississippi, 
on  the  morning  of  the  17th  February  last,  with  the  view  to  finding 
some  suitable  place  on  the  Yazoo  or  Tallahatchie  whereat  to  erect 
works  and  place  obstructions  to  the  passage  down  of  the  enemy. 

An  examination  of  the  two  rivers,  from  "Yazoo  City  to  .one  hundred 
miles  above  here,  satisfied  me  that  this  position  was  the  only  one 
offering  the  slightest  advantage  for  defensive  works,  and  having  pre- 
viously ordered  Major  Meriwether,  of  the  engineers,  to  this  place, 
determined  to  avail  myself  of  its  strong  points.  Accordingly  a  line 
of  works,  composed  of  cotton  bales  and  earth,  was  thrown  up,  extend- 
ing from  the  Yazoo  to  the  Tallahatchie,  and  a  raft  constructed  by  the 
able  and  united  labors  of  Major  Thomas  Nelson  and  Mr.  John 
McFarland,  and,  with  great  skill,  placed  in  the  Tallahatchie,  on  our 
right.  These  necessary  arrangements  were  prosecuted  with  the 
utmost  diligence  day  and  night,  and  notwithstanding  every  exertion 
to  perfect  our  defences,  the  enemy  made  his  descent  of  the  river  and 
found  us  but  poorly  prepared  to  receive  him. 

On  Wednesday,  the  11th  March,  the  enemy  made  his  appearance 
before  us,  with  nine  gunboats  and  twenty-four  transports,  a  land 
force  of  seven  thousand  infantry  and  artillery.  The  raft,  in  an  un- 
finished state,  was  hastily  swung  across  the  Tallahatchie,  and  the 
Confederate  States  steamer  Star  of  the  West  sunk  behind  it.  My 
inspector  general.  Captain  John  D.  Myrick,  was  placed  in  command 
of  the  batteries,  and  we  awaited  the  assault.  At  ten  o'clock,  A.  M., 
the  formidable  iron-clad  Chilicothe  steamed  around  the  bend  of  the 
river  in  our  front,  as  though  it  was  intended  to  rush  upon  the  raft 
and  destroy  it.  A  well-directed  shell  from  our  thirty-two-pounder 
fell  upon  her  turret,  and  she  sensibly  diminished  her  speed.  This 
was  followed  by  a  solid  shot  from  an  eighteen-pound  rifle,  which  also 
struck,  and  the  Chilicothe  backed  up  stream  until  her  hull  was  hidden 
around  the  bend,  save  her  bow  and  that  portion  of  her  which  con- 
tained the  eleven-inch  guns.  She  then  opened  fire,  and  cannonading 
was  kept  up  for  an  hour,  when  the  gunboats  withdrew,  having  been 
struck  several  times  by  three  of  our  guns.  At  four  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  the  fight  was  resumed  by  another  gunboat,  which  we  sup- 
posed to  be  the  iron-clad  DeKalb.  After  two  hours  hard  fighting  the 
boat  withdrew.  During  the  day  Colonel  Waul,  commanding  post, 
sent  out  a  detachment  of  his  legion  as  skirmishers,  who  engaged  a 
large  body  of  the  enemy's  infantry  and  cavalry  and  drove  them  back 
to  their  transports. 

Thursday,  tho  12th,  the  enemy  was  engaged  in  erecting  a  battery 


270 

upon  a  point  in  front,  thickly  wooded,  -wliich  we  could  not-prevent  in* 
consequence  of  the  scarcity  of  ammunition. 

On  Friday  morning,  at  ten  o'clock,  the  enemy  again  opened  upon 
our  works  from  two  gunboats  abreas-t,  their  lan«l  batteries,  and  a 
thirteen-inch  mortar.  We  promptly  responded  with  every  gun  we 
had  in  position,  and  the  fight  raged  furiously  the  entire  day,  night 
putting  an  end  to  it.  It  was  during  this  day's  engagement  that  an 
eleven-inch  shell  from  the  Chilicothe  passed  through  the  parapet,  dis- 
placed a  cotton  bale,  and  ignited  a  iub  of  cartridges  in  the  magazine 
of  the  Whitworth  gun.  The  fire  was  communicated  by  the  fuse. 
Fortunately,  the  shell  itself  did  not  explode.  By  this  casualty, 
Lieutenant  Waul,  of  the  Point  Coupee  artillery,  in  couiniand  of  the 
gun,  was  slightly  wounded,  and  fifteen  of  hia  detachment  were 
burned,  som/3  badly.  In  this  day's  engagement  we  experienced  our 
only  loss.  A  shell  exploded  over  one  of  our  guns,  wounding  tliree 
of  the  gunners,  one  of  whom  died  in  a  fev,-  hours.  *Our  troops  la- 
bored the  entire  night  in  repairing  damages  to  the  parapet  and 
strengthening  the  works. 

Saturday  was  quiet  until  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  when  we  were  en- 
gaged by  their  land  batteries  and  a  gunboat,  spiritedly,  for  about  half 
an  hour. 

Sunday  was  occupied  by  the  enemy  and  ourBclves  in  ad(3ing 
strength  to  our  respective  works. 

Monday,  as  we  afterwards  discovered,  was  fixed  by  the  enemy  for 
a  grand  assault  with  their  entire  force  upon  our  works.  Accordingly 
the  gunboat  Chilicothe  (the  other  iron-clad  having  been  disabled  in 
Friday's  engagement)  got  into  position,  bow  on,  at  twelve  hundred 
yards  range,  and,  with  their  land  batteries  and  sharpshooters,  the 
day's  work  began.  In  about  twenty  minutes  after  the  engagement 
commenced,  a  shot  from  one  of  our  heavy  guns  penetrated  the  Chilli- 
cothe  and  so  badly  injured  her  that  the  proposed  assault  was 
abandoned,  and  she  withdrew,  leaving  the  land  batteries  and  sharp- 
shooters to  keep  up  the  fight  until  sunset. 

Our  loss  during  the  engagements  was  one  killed  and  four  wounded, 
and  sixteen  severely  burned  or  injured  by  the  explosion  of  our  maga- 
zine.    Total  casualties,  twenty-one. 

A  significant  f  ilence  characterized  their  movements  the  three 
following  days,  although  we  could  see  them  plainly  at  their  batteries. 
On  Friday,  before  day,  they  abandoned  their  breastworks  and  com- 
menced a  rapid  retreat  up  the  river.  Thus  was  concluded  '*  the  battle 
of  the  Tallahatchie:' 

Whilst  I  am  thankful  for  the  perfectly  successful  result  of  our 
labors  here,  I  wish  to  express  my  obligations  to  Colonel  T.  N'.  Waul, 
Texas  legion,  for  his  energy,  promptness  and  good  judgment  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duty,  with  his  legion,  in  the  fortifications  during  the 
engagements.  I  was  greatly  indebted  to  him  for  the  assistance  he 
rendered  on  so  many  occasions,  and  which  contributed  to  our  frequent 
successes.  Colonel  Ashbel  Smith,  commanding  second  Texas,  in 
charge  of  the  right  of  our  defences,  with  great  gallantry  and  skill 
prevented  the  enemy  turning  that  flank.     Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  N. 


27! 

Brown,  commanding  twentieth  Mississippi,  and  Captain  H.  Canty, 
also  of  the  twentieth,  for  important  aid  in  collecting  materials  for  our 
raft,  while  in  readiness  to  defend  the  works.  Colonel  D.  K,  Russell, 
twentieth  Mississippi,  during  the  last  engagement,  and  General 
Tilghman  subsequently,  (though  the  enemy  was  still  in  our  front,) 
rendered  every  possible  aid.  The  general,  in  command  of  our  left 
flank,  kept  the  enemy  apprehensive  of  their  rear.  I  cannot  speak  in 
too  much  praise  of  the  courage,  coolness  and  efficiency  of  Captain 
John  D.  Myrick,  my  aid  and  acting  chief  of  artillery,  not  only  under 
the  fire  of  the  enemy  in  battle,  but  at  the  critical  moment  of  the  ex- 
plosion of  our  magazine.  In  the  midst  of  it,  when  every  one  waa 
appalled,  he  stood  unfalteringlj',  and  with  great  heroism  rallied  his 
men  to  their  guns.  ^Captain  Hague,  Lieutenant  W.  S.  Wheatley 
Waul,  and  Captain  Ileddon,  artillery  ;  Sergeant  E.  Fullerton,  of 
Heddon's  battery ;  Lieutenant  Moon,  engineers,  and  Sergeant  J. 
Henncrberry,  company  A,  twenty-second  Louisiana  volunteers,  com- 
manded guns,  and  served  them  with  gre:it  skill  and  courage. 
Sergeants  David  Eaton  and  Hugh  Moldoon,  belonging  to  the  navy, 
are  mentioned  for  their  accuracy  as  gunners  and  courage  as  men.  I 
would  here  remark  that  this  expedition  was  the  prominent  one  of  a 
great  plan  for  the  attack  of  Vicksburg  in  rear.  It  was  to  move 
rapidly  down  the  Yazoo  river  to  the  mouth  of  Sunflower ;  there  await 
another  expedition  down  that  river ;  the  two,  united,  were  to  meet  a 
third  up  the  Yazoo  ;  the  three  to  force  the  raft  at  Snyder's  bluff; 
united,  to  turn  Vicksburg.  After  many  months  of  secret  prepara- 
tions, they  were  certain  of  success.  With  but  little  time  to  fortify, 
they  were  determinedly  met  and  forced  to  an  ignominious  retreat, 
leaving  behind  them  evidences  that  their  loss  was  great  in  men  and 
material — a  check  which  will  undoubtedly  prevent  a  further  invasion 
of  the  State  of  Mississippi  by*  the  way  of  Tallahatchie  and  Yazoo 
rivers. 

With  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obed't  serv't, 

W.  W.  LORING, 
True  copy  :  Major  General  commanding. 

Henry  Robinson,  A.  A.   G. 


EXPEDITION  TO  KENTUCKY. 


REPORT  OF  GENEPvAL  MORGAN. 


Headquarters   Morgan's  Division,      } 
Smithville,   Tennessee,  January  8th,    1863.  S 

To  Colonel  G.  W.  Brent, 

Ass^t.  Adft.   General  and  Chief  of  Staff",  A.   T.  : 

Sir  :  I  bave  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  action 
of  the  forces  under  my  command  during  the  late  expedition  into 
Kentucky  : 

On  the  morning  of  the  22d  of  December,  1862,  I  left  Alexandria, 
Tennessee,  with  an  effective  force  of  three  thousand  one  hundred 
guns,S.nd  seven  pieces  of  artillery,  which  I  divided  into  two  brigades, 
placing  the  first  under  command  of  Colonel  B.  W.  Duke,  and  the 
second  under  command  of  Colonel  W.  C.  P.  Breckinridge.  About 
dusk  I  crossed  the  Cumberland  river,  which  I  found  easily  fordable, 
and  encamped  some  three  or  four  miles  on  th*  other  side. 

I  found  the  people  generally  well  disposed,  and  that  vague  rumors 
of  my  coming  had  preceded  me.  On  the  morning  of  the  23d,  I  made 
an  early  start,  and  succeeded,  though  the  way  for  the  most  part  was 
extremely  rough,  in  making  Centreville  that  evening,  a  distance  of 
about  thirty  miles.  The  following  day,  December,  24th,  I  marched 
to  within  six  miles  of  Glasgow,  where  my  first  encounter  with  the 
enemy  took  place.  I  had  camped  the  main  body  of  my  command 
some  six  miles  from  the  town,  and  had  sent  two  companies  to  take 
possession  of  it.  As  they  entered  the  town  they  encountered 
the  advance  guard  of  a  battalion  of  the  second  Michigan  cav- 
alry. It  being  quite  dark,  some  little  time  elapsed  before  either 
party  became  aware  of  the  presence  of  an  enemy,  whSn  a  skirmish 
took  place,  in  which  Captain  Jones  and  a  private  of  Breckinridge's 
regiment  were  mortally,  and  Lieutenant  Peyton,  of  Duke's  regiment, 
18 


274 

pcviously  woundeJ,  and  some  six  or  seven  of  my  rnen  were  taken 
pvisoners'.  Not  knowing  in  what  force  the  enemy  mif^ht  he,  my 
gqtiadron  fell  back  buck,  when  the  enemy  passed  through  town  and 
Icok  the  road  to  Mumfordville.  Seven.l  of  the  eiiciny  were,  killed 
an  i  wounded,  and  twenty-two  prisoners,  including  a  captain,  were 
criptured  and  paroled.  The  next  morning,  December  2oth,  I  passed 
through  Glasgow,  and  took  the  Bear  Wallow  turnpike  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Mumfordville.  About  ten  miles  from  Green  river  my  ' 
scouts  reported  that  a  battalion  of  cavalry  was  drawn  up  in  line, 
awaiting  our  approach.  I  threw  forward  two  companies  and  a  section 
of  artillery  to  engage  them,  made  my  dispositions  for  an  e.xtended 
C5)gagemeut,  and  advanced  as  rapidly  as  possible.  The  enemy,  how- 
ever, did  not  wait  to  receive  the  charge  of  the  force  I  had  sent  for- 
ward, but  after  firing  a  few  random  shots,  took  to  flight  and  left  the 
road  clear.  I  then  made  the  best  of  my  way  through  to  Green  river, 
wVich  I  succeeded  in  crossing  with  considerable  difficulty,  owing  to 
the  steep  and  muddy  banks,  and  reached  Ilammondsville  with  my 
command  at  midnight.  I  had  ordered  Colonel  Breckinridge,  as  ho 
passed  the  cross-roads  leading  to  Woodsonville,  to  send  two  companies 
in  that  direction,  with  instiuctions  to  diive  in  the  enemy's  pickets; 
and  immediately  on  my  arrival  at  Hammondsville,  I  despatched  two 
companies  of  Colonel  Duke's 'command,  with  similar  instructions,  in 
the  direction  of  Mumfordsville.  My  object  was  to  induce  the  enemy 
to  believe  that  1  intended  to  attack  the  fortifications  at  Green  river, 
and  by  no  threatening  him  to  divert  his  atteution  from  the  combined 
attack  which  I  intended  to  make  the  succeeding  day  on  the  stockades 
at  Bacon  creek  and  Nolin.  The  next  morning,  December  26th,  I 
sent  Duke's  and  Gano's  regiments,  and  a  section  of  Palmer's  battery, 
under  command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hutchinson,  to  attack  the 
stockade  at  Bacon  creek,  whilst  1  moved  on  with  the  main  body  of 
the  forces  to  Upton.  A  heavy  rain  had  fallen  during  the  night,  and 
it  was  still  raining  hard,  so  that  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  that 
the  artillery  and  trains  made  any  progress  whatever.  It  was,  tliere- 
fore,  nearly  eleven  o'clock  before  I  heard  Colonel  Hutchinson's  can- 
non open.  On  arriving  at  Upton,  1  cut  the  telegraph  wire,  and  my 
operator  was  soon  in  communication  with  Somerville,  Cincinnati, 
ar.d  other  points.  No  important  messages  were  received,  however, 
except  one  informing  me  of  the  arrival  of  a  train  loaded  with  amma- 
Bition,  small  arms,  and  two  pieces  of  rifled  cannon,  which  I  imme- 
diately took  measures  to  intercept,  but  unfortunately  missed.  It  being 
now  nearly  three  o'clock,  1*.  M.,  1  sent  forward  to  Nolin,  under  charge 
of  Colonel  Duke,  the  remainder  of  the  forces,  with  the  exception  of 
Johnson's  regiment  and  the  other  section  of  Palmer's  battery.  With 
these  troops,  as  1  was  fearful  from  the  duration  of  the  firing  at 
Bacon's  creek,  that  the  stockade  had  been  reinforced  from  Mumfords- 
ville, I  moved  down  to  Bacon  creek  to  assist  Colonel  Hutchinson.  On 
my  arrival  there,  1  immediately  sent  in  a  flag  of  truce  and  demanded 
«aii  unconditional  surrender  of  the  place,  which,  after  considerable 
hesitation  on  the  part  of  the  commanding  officer.  Captain  James,  was 
finally  acceded  to.     Ninety-threo  prisoners,  belonging  to  the  ninety- 


275 

first  Illinois  volunteers,  were  captured,  including  four  commissioned 
officers.  The  stockade  and  t)-^stle  were  immediately  fired  and 
destroyed,  and  I  moved  on  with  the  command  to  Nolin. 

In  this  affair  three  of  the  enemy  were  slightly  wounded  by  our 
shells,  and  some  three  or  four  men  on  our  side  were  slightly 
wounded  in  attempting  to  fire  the  trestle,  before  the  stockade  had  sur- 
rendered. The  force  at  the  trestle  near  Nolin,  amounting  to  three 
officers  and  seventy-tliree  privates,  of  the  ninety-first  Illinois  volun- 
teers, surrendered  to  Colonel  Duke  without  opposition.  The  stock- 
ade and  bridge  at  that  point  were  also  fired  and  destroyed.  While 
waiting  at  Upton,  I  had  caused  large  fires  to  be  built  all  along  the 
track  for  some  three  or  four  miles,  in  order  to  warp  and  destroy  the 
rails,  which  v/as  most  effectually  accomplished. 

Early  the  following  morning,  December  27th,  having  learned  the 
previous  evening  that  some  seven  or  eight  companies  of  United  States 
troops  were  stationed  at  Elizabethtown,  I  moved  with  my  command  in 
that  direction.  On  arriving  within  sight  of  the  town,  the  following 
peremptory  document,  scrawled  in  pencil  on  the  back  of  an  envelope, 
was  handed  to  me  : 

Elizabethtown,  Ky.,  Dec.  27,   1862.. 

To  the  Commander  of  the  Confederate  forces  : 

S(R  :  I  demnnd  an   unconditional    surrender  of  all  your  forces.     T 
have  you  surrounded,  and  will  compel  you  to  surrender. 
I  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

H.  L.    SjiiTH^ 
Commanding  U,  S.  forces. 

To  which  I  replied,  that  I  thought  the  positions  were  reversed  ;  that 
it  was  his  forces,  and  not  mine,  which  were  surrounded,  and  called 
upon  him  to  surrender.  He  answered,  that  it  was  the  part  of  a  Uni- 
ted States  officer  to  fght,  not  to  surrender.  Leaving  one  regiment  and 
a  howitzer  in  reserve,  to  guard  the  trains,  I  ordered  Colonel  Duke  to 
deploy  his  command  to  the  right,  and  Colonel  Breckinridge  to  deploy 
bis  command  to  the  left  of  the  town,  and  throw  forward  skirmishers 
to  discover  the  position  of  the  enemy.  It  soon  became  apparent  that 
he  had  taken  possession  of  several  brick  houses  on  the  outskirts  of 
the  town,  and  expected  to  make  a  stout  fight  of  it.  I  therefore  im- 
mediately placed  my  artillery  in  position  on  a  hill  a  little  to  the  left 
of  the  road,  which  compictely  commanded  the  town,  and  sent  Captain 
Corbett,  with  one  mountain  howitzer,  to  attack  the  town  on  the  right. 
After  about  half  hour's  vigorous  shelling,  the  place  surrendered,  and 
six  hundred  and  fifty-two  prisoners,  including  twenty-five  officers,  fell 
into  our  hands. 

At  this  point  I  wish  particularly  to  notice  the  excellent  service  • 
done  on  this  occasion  by  Captain  Palmer  and  his  battery,  to  whose 
rapid  and  accurate  fire — nearly  every  shot  striking  the  houses  occupied' 
by  the  enemy — the  quick  reduction  of  the  place  is,  in  a  great  meas-- 
ure,  due  ;  and  also  the  gallantry  shown  by  Captain  Corbett,  who  ran, 
one  of  his  howitzers  into  the  town  whilst  the  enemy  were  pouring  a 


276 

heavy  firofrora  the  houses;  nnd  by  Lieutcnnnt  Colonel  Stoner,  cGm-- 
maruiing  Breckinridge's  regiment,  who  at  the  same  time  charged  into 
the  tov/n  at  the  head  of  his  men 

On  the  morning  of  the  i28th,  I  moved  from  Elizabethtown,  in  the 
direction  of  Bardstown,  four  miles  from  Elizahethtown.  I  ordered 
Colonel  3?rockinridge  to  turn  with  his  command  to  the  left,  and  to 
attack  the  lower  stockade,  near  Muldraugh's  hills,  whilst  I  moved  on 
with  Colonel  Duke's  brigade  to  attack  the  upper.  After  two  or  three 
hours'  shelling,  both  places  surrendered,  and  at  seven  o'cl&ck  that 
evening  I  had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  the  object  of  the  expe- 
dition was  attained,  and  the  railroad  was  rendered  impassable  for  at 
least  two  months  These  two  trestles  were  the  largest  and  finest  on 
the  whole  read,  being  each  of  them  some  sixty  foet  in  height,  and 
from  three  hundred  to  three  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  length.  Neith- 
er of  them  had  ever  before  been  destroyed  during  the  war.  Seven 
hundred  prisoners,  including  twenty-seven  officers,  were  captured, 
and  a  large  and  valuable  amount  of  medical,  quartermaster,  and  com- 
missary stores  were  destroyed.  I  encamped  that  night  near  the  Roll- 
ing Fork.  The  next  morning,  December  29,  I  sent  Colonel  Clarke's 
regiment,  with  one  piece  of  artillery,  to  attack  and  burn  the  bridge 
over  the  Rolling  Fork  ;  Colonel  Chenault's  regiment  and  one  piece  of 
artillery  in  advance,  to  burn  the  stockade  and  trestle  at  Bolton; 
three  companies  of  Breckinridge's  regiment  and  one  mountain  how- 
itzer to  attack  the  stockade  at  New  Haven. 

Having  completed  these  dispositions,  I  set  my  command  in  motion. 
Just  as  the  rear  regiments  were  crossing  the  Rolling  Fork,  a  large 
force  of  the  enemy,  consisting  of  cavalry,  infantry,  and  several  pieces 
of  artillery,  which  had  followed  from  Elizahethtown,  camp  up  and  be- 
gan to  shell  the  ford  at  which  the  troops  were  crossing.  I  immedi- 
ately sent  orders  to  Colonel  Duke,  who  was  in  the  rear,  to  send  a 
courier  to  Colonel  Clarke,  ordering  him  to  rejoin  the  command  as 
rapidly  as  possible,  and  to  hold  the  enemy  in  check  until  the  entire 
command  had  crossed  the  ford.  Colonel  Duke,  assisted  by  Colonel 
Breckinridge,  placed  seven  companies,  from  different  regiments,  in 
position,  and  held  five  in  reserve.  With  this  force  he  several  times 
repulsed  the  enemy's  advance,  and  very  nearly  succeeded  in  captur- 
ing two  pieces  of  the  enemy's  artillery,  when  he  fell  from  his  horse 
severely  wounded  by  a  shell.  Colonel  Breckinridge  then  took  com- 
mand, and  maintained  the  .position  until  Colonel  Clarke's  regiment 
had  crossed  the  river,  when  I  ordered  him  to  fall  back,  which  he  ac- 
complished in  good  order,  and  without-loss.  In  this  affair  only  three 
men  were  hurt  on  cur  side — Colonel  Duke,  Captain  Pendleton,  who 
was  struck  by  a  ball  while  gallantly  leading  a  charge  on  the  enemy's 
artillery,  and  a  private  slightly  wounded.  The  enemy  had  several 
officers  and  men  killed  and  wounded. 

Meanwhile  Colonel  Chenault  had  captured  and  burned  the  stockade 
at  Bolton,  lie  rejoined  me  that  night  at  Bardstown.  The  force  sent 
to  burn  the  stockade  at  New  Haven  was  not  successful,  and  did  not 
rejoin  the  command  until  the  following  night,  at  Springfield. 

On  the  morning  of  the  30th,  I  left  Bardstown  and  marched  to 


277 

Springfield,  a  distance  of  some  eighteen  miles,  where  I  arrived  at 
nightfall.  On  ray  arrival  I  learned  that  the  enemy  had  withdrawn  all 
his  forces  from  the  southern  portion  of  the  State,  and  had  concentra-, 
ted  them  at  Lebanon.  Troops  from  Danville,  Burksville,  Campbell- 
ville,  and  Columbia,  had  been  collected  there,  to  the  number  of  nearly 
eight  thousand,  with  several  pieces  of  artillery.  Intelligence  also 
reached  me  that  a  column,  nearly  ten  thousand  strong,  was  moving 
from  Glasgow  to  Burksville  to  intercept  me.  My  position  was  now 
sufficiently  hazardous  :  a  superior  force  only  a  few  miles  in  my  rear, 
a  force  nearly  treble  my  own  immediately  in  my  front,  and  a  vastly 
superior  force,  which  had  only  about  half  the  distance  to  march  that 
I  had,  moving  to  intercept  my  passage  of  the  river.  In  this  emer- 
gency I  determined  to  make  a  detour  to  the  right  of  Lebanon,  and  by 
a  night  march  to  conceal  my  movement  from  the  enemy,  outstrip  the 
column  moving  from  Glasgow  to  Burksville,  and  cross  the  Cumber- 
land before  it  came  within  striking  distance.  Immediately,  there- 
fore, on  my  arrival  at  Springfield,  I  sent  out  two  companies  on  the 
Lebanon  road,  with  instructions  to  drive  in  the  enemy's  pickets,  and 
to  hold  the  position.  This  being  done,  they  were  to  build  large  and 
extended  camp-fires,  so  as  to  induce  the  enemy  to  believe  that  my 
whole  force  was  in  position,  and  that  I  was  only  awaiting  for  daylight 
to  attack.  Considerable  delay  was  occasioned  from  the  difficulty  in 
obtaining  guides  who  were  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the  country  to 
lead  me  .over  the  route  I  desired  to  march  ;  but  at  length,  by  eleven 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  whole  column  was  fairly  in  motion. 

The  night  was  dark  and  stormy,  and  the  road  rough  and  intricate, 
80  that  the  morning  of  the  3 1st  December  found  the  command  only 
eight  miles  from  Springfield  and  two  and  a  half  from  Lebanon.  By 
one  o'clock  that  afternoon,  however,  the  top  of  Muldraugh's  hills  was 
reached,  when  I  could  see  Lebanon  with  a  glass  distinctly,  and  the 
enemy's  skirmishers  deployed  in  the  valley  below.  Just  as  the  rear 
guard  of  the  column  had  reached  the  foot  of  the  hills,  a  remarkable 
hand  to  hand  conflict  took  place  between  Colonel  Halisy,  of  the  sixth 
Kentucky  cavalry,  commanding  brigade,  and  two  other  Federal  offi- 
cers, on  the  one  side,  and  Captain  Treble  and  Lieutenant  Eastin,  of 
my  command,  on  the  other,  in  which  Colonel  Halisy  was  killed  by 
Lieutenant  Eastin,  and  his  companions  captux'ed.  Both  Captain  Trem- 
ble and  Lieutenant  Eastin  displayed  great  gallantry  on  this  occasion, 
and  deserve  the  thanks  of  the  civilized  community  for  putting  to  rest 
such  an  exp  )nent  of  the  Butler  and  Turchin  school  as  Colonel  Halisy. 

I  reached  Campbellville  late  tkat  evening,  and  found  there  quite  an 
amount  of  commissary  stores,  which' was  most  fortunate,  as  my  com- 
mand had  had  but  little' for  two  days.  On  the  morning  of  the  1st  of 
January,  1SG3, 1  started  for  Columbia,»where  I  arrived  at  three  o'clock, 
P.  M.  By  a  night  marcfi  from  this  place  I  reached  Burksville  at 
daylight  the  following  morning.  Here  I  halted  the  command  for  a 
few  hours  to  rest  and  feed,  and  then  crossed  the  Cumberland  without 
molestation.  Travelling  then  by  easy  stages,  I  reached  this  point  on 
the  ev^ng  of  the  5th  January,  with  my  command. 

The^sults  of  the  expedition  may  be  summed  up  as  follows :  The- 


278 

destruction  of  the  Louisville  and  Nashville  railroai  from  Mumfords- 
ville  to  Shepherdsville,  within  eighteen  miles  of  Louisville,  rendering 
it  imp:is:=able  for  at  least  two  months  ;  the  capture  of  eighteen  hun- 
'dred  and  seventy-seven  prisoners,  including  sixty-two  commissioned 
ofliccrs;  the  destruction  of  over  $2, 000, 1)00  United  States  property, 
and  a  large  loss  to  the  enemy  in  killed  and  wounded. 

The  loss  of  my  entire  command  is  as  follows  :  Killed,  2  ;  wounded, 
24  ;  missing,  64. 

In  closing  this  report  I  desire  to  return  my  sincere  thanks  to  my 
brigade  commanders,  Colonels  Duke  and  Breckinridge,  for  the  able 
and  efficient  assistance  rendered  me  by  them  during  this  expedition, 
without  which  it  must  have  failed  in  effecting  many.of  its  principal 
objects. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant. 

JOHN  H.  MORGAN, 

Brigadier  General. 


BATTLE  OF  MURFREESBOROV 


REPOIIT  OF  GENERAL  BRAGG. 


llF.AnQUAKTnnS     At;  my   of  TcNNFSfSKR,   > 

Tallahorn'j,  Tcimessie,  Murch  11,  1863.       ) 

Generals.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  Richmond,  Va.: 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  forward,  by  the  hnnds  of  Colonel  J.  II. 
Kelly,  eighth  Arkansas  volunteers,  Lieutenant  General  Hardee's 
corps,  the  report  of  that  general,  of  the  part  taken  by  his  corps  in  the 
battle  of  Murfreesboro',  from  December  3 1  st  to  January  3d.  Also,  the 
reports  of  division  and  brigade  commanders,  including  those  of  Major 
General  McCown's  division,  which  was,  during  the  most  important 
part  of  the  operations,  under  Lieutenant  General  Hardee. 

Some  errors  and  apprehensions  of  Major  General  Breckinridge,  in- 
corporated in  his  report,  will  be  corrected,  by  reference  to  copies  of 
notes  received  fropi  him  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  which  are  appended 
to  the  report,  with  an  order  for  the  cavalry  movement,  endorsed  by 
Brigadier  General  Pegram  as  "  received."  To  these  papers,  append-nl 
to  General  B.'s  report,  I  invite  special  attention. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

BRAXTON  BivAGG,  General  commanding. 


KEPOllT  OF  GENERAL  BRECKINRIDGE. 


Headquartkrs  Bkeckinridgr's  Division,  ) 
January,  1863.       > 
Major  T.  B.  Rov, 

Asshtant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir*:  I  have  the  hon'or  to  report  the  operations  of  this  division,  of 
Lieutenant  General  Hardee's  corps,  in  the  recent  battles  of  Stone 
river,  in  front  of  Murfreesboro'.* 

The  character  and  course  of  Stone  river,  and  the  nature  of  the 
ground  in  front  of  the  two,  are  well  known  ;  and  as  the  report  of  the 
General  commanding  will  no  doubt  be  accompanied  by  a  sketch,  it  is 
liOt  necessary  to  describe  them  here. 

On  the  morning  of  Sunday,  the  28th  of  December,  the  brigades 
moved  from  their  encampments,  and  took  uplines  of  battle  about  one 
and  a  half  miles  from  Murfreesboro',  in  the  following  order  :  Adams' 
brigade  on  the  right,  with  its  right  resting  on  the  Lebanon  road,  and 
its  left  extending  towards  the  ford  over  Stone  river,  a  short  distance 
below  the  destroyed  bridge,  on  the  Nashville  turnpike  ;  Preston  ou 
thedeft  of  Adams,  Palmer  on  the  left  of  Preston,  and  Hanson  forming 
the  loft  of  the  lino,  with  his  left  resting  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river, 
near  the  ford.  The  right  of  Major  General  Withers,  of  Lieutenant 
General  Polk's  corps,  rested  near  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  and 
slightly  in  advarfce  of  Hanson's  left. 

Brigadier  General  Jackson,  having  reported  to  me  with  his  com- 
mand, was  placed,  by  the  direction  of  the  Lieutenant  General  com- 
manding, lipon  the  east  side  of  the  Lebanon  road,  on  commanding 
ground,  a  little  in  advance  of  the  right  of  Brigadier  General  Adams. 
J*iy  division  formed  the  front  line  of  the  right  win-g  of  the  army ; 
Majof  General  Cleburne's  division,  drawn  up  some  six  hundred  yards 
in  rear,  formed  the  second  line  of  the  same  wing ;  while  the  division 
of  Major  General  McCown,  under  the  immediate  direction  of  the 
General  commanding,  composed  the  reserve. 

My  line  extended  from  left -to  right,  along  the  edge  of  a  forest, 
save,  an  open  space  of  four  hundred  3'ards,  which* Avas  occupied  by 
Wright's  battery,  of  Preston's  brigade,  with  the  twentieth  Tennessee 
in  reserve,  to  support  it.  An  open  field,  eight  hundred  yards  in 
-width,  extended  along  nearly  the  whole  front  of  the  line,  and  was 
bounded  on  the  opposite  side  by  a  line  of  forest  similar  to  that  occu- 
pied by  us.  In  the  opinion. of  the  Lieutenant  General  commanding, 
who  had  twice  ridden  carefully  over  the  ground  with  me,  and  the 
General  commanding,  who  had  person«illy  inspected  the  lines,  it 
was  the  strongest  position  the  »ature  of  the  ground  would  allow. 
About  six  hundred  yards  in  front  of  Hanson's  centre  was  an  eminence, 
j^ieh  it  was  deemed  important  to  hold.  ^It  commanded  the  ground 
^B[)ing   towards  the   river,  in   its  front  ard  on    it^  left,  and  also  the 

■^J^o  in  origiual. 


281 

plain  on  the  west  bank,  occupied  by  the  right  of  Withers'  line.  Co- 
lonel Hunt,  with  the  forty-first  Alabama,  the  sixth  and  ninth  Ken- 
tucky, and  Cobb's  battery,  all  of  Hanson's  brigade,  was  ordered  to 
take  and  hold  this  hill,  Avhich  he  did,  repulsing  several  brisk  attacks 
of  the  enemy,  and  losing  some  excellent  officers  and  men  A  few 
hundred  yards  to  the  left  and  rear  of  this  position,  a  small  earthwork, 
thrown  up  under  the  direction  of  Major  Graves,  my  chief  of  artillery, 
was  held  (luring  a  part  of  the  operations  by  Scrapie's  battery  of '  Na- 
poleon guns. 

In  the  afternoon  of  Tuesday,  the  30th,  I  received  intelligence  from 
Lieutenant  General  Hardee,  that  the  divisions  of  Cleburne  and  Mc- 
Cown  were  to  be  transferred  to  the  extreme  lelt,  and  soon  after  an 
order  came  to  me,  from  the  General  commanding,  to  hold  the  hill  at 
all  hazards  I  immediately  moved  the  remainder  of  Hanson's  brigade 
to  the  hill,  and  strengthened  Cobb's  battery  with  a  section  from 
Lurasden's  battery  and  a  sectien  from  Slocumb's  AVashington  artil- 
lery. At  the  same  time,  Adams'  brigade  was  moved  from  the  right, 
and  formed  on  the  ground  originally  occupied  by  Hanson's  brigade. 
Jackson  was  moved  to  the  west  side  of  the  Lebanon  road,  to  connect 
with  the  general  line  of  battle. 

All  the  ground  east  of  Stone  river  was  now  to  be  held  by  one 
division,  which,  in  a  single  line,  did  not  extend  from  the  ford  to  the 
Lebanon  road.  I  did  not  change  my  general  line,  since  a  position  in 
advance,  besides  being  less  favorable  in  other  respects,  would  have 
widened  considerably  the  interval  between  my  right  and  the  Lebanon 
road.  The  enemy  did  not  again  attack  the  hill  with  infantry,  but  our 
troops  there  continued  to  suffer,  during  all  the  operations,  from  heavy 
shelling.  Our  artillery  at  that  position  often  did  good  service,  in 
diverting  the  enemy's  fire  from  our  attacking  lines  of  infanti^y  ;  and 
especially  on  "Wednesday,  the  31st,  succeeded  in  breaking  several  of 
their  formations  on  the  west  bank  of  the  river. 

On  the  morning  of  AYcdnesday,  the  3 1st,  the  battle  opened  on  our  left. 
From  my  front,  information  came  to  me  from  Pegram's  Cavalry  force, 
in  advance,  that  the  enem}^  having  crossed  at  the  fords  below,  were 
moving  on  my  position  in  line  of  battle.  .  This  proved  to  be  incorrect ; 
and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  sufficient  care  was  not  taken  by  the  au- 
thors of  the  reports  to  discriminate  rumor  from  fact. 

About  half  past  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  received  through  Colonel  J. 
Stoddard  Johnston,  a  suggestion  from  the  General  commanding,  to 
move  against  the  enemy  instead  of  awaiting  his  attack.  (1  find  that 
Colonel  Johnston  regarded  it  as  an  order,  but  as  I  moved  at  once,  it 
is  not  material.)  I  prepared  to  fight  on  the  ground  I  then  occupied, 
but  supposing  that  the  object  of  the  General  was  to  create  a  diversion 
in  favor  of  our  left,  my  line,  except  Hanson's  brigade,  was  put  in 
motion  in  the  direction  from  which  the  enemy  was  supposed  to  be  ad- 
vancing. We  had  marched  about  half  a  mile,  when  I  received 
through  Colonel  Johnston  an  order  from  the  General  commanding,  to 
send  at  least  one  brigade  to  the  support  of  Lieutenant  General  Polk, 
who  was  hard  pressed,  and,  as  I  recollect,  two,  if  I  could  spare  them. 
I  immediately  sent  Adams  and  Jackson,  and  at  the  same  time  sus- 


282 

pended  my  movement,  and  sent  forward  Captain  Blackburne  with 
several  of  ni}'  cncort,  and  Captain  Coleman  and  Lieutenant  Darragh, 
of  my  staff,  with  orders  to  find  and  report  with  certainty,  the  position 
and  .movements  of  the  enemy.  Soon  after  an  order  came  from  the 
General  commanding  to  continue  the  movement.  The  lino  ngain  ad- 
vanced, but  had  not  proceeded  far  when  I  received  an  cider  from  the 
General  commanding,  through  Colonel  Johnston,  repeated  by  Colonel 
Grecnfell,  to  leave  Hanson  in  position  on  the  hill,  and  with  the  re- 
mainder of  my  command  to  report  at  once  to  Lieutenant  General 
Fold.  The  brigades  of  I'rcstcn  and  Palmer  were  immediately  moved 
by  the  flank,  towards  the  ford  before  referred  to,  and  the  order  of  the 
General  executed  with  great  rapidity.  In  the  meantime,  riding  for- 
ward to  the  position  occupied  by  the  General  commanding  and  Lieu- 
tenant General  Polk,  near  the  west  bank  of  the  river  and  a  little 
below  the  ford,  I  arrived  in  time  to  see  at  a  distance  the  brigades  of 
Jackson  and  Adams  recoiling  from  a  very  hot  fire  of  the  enemy,  I 
was  directed  by  Lieutenant  General  Polk  to  form  my  line  with  its 
right  resting  on  the  river  and  its  left  extending  across  the  open  field, 
crossing  the  Nashville  turnpike  almost  at  a  right  angle.  While  my 
troops  were  crossing  the  river  and  getting  into  line,  I  rode  forward 
with  a  portion  of  my  staft',  assisted  by  gentlemen  of  the  staffs  of 
Generals  Bragg  and  Polk,  to  rally  and  form  Adams'  brigade,  which 
was  falling  back  chiefly  between  the  turnpike  and  the  river,  Jackson, 
much  cut  up,  had  retired  farther  tow-'irds  our  left.  The  brigade  of 
Brigadier  General  Adams  was  rallied  and  placed  in  line  across  the 
field,  behind  a  low  and  very  imperfect  breastwork  of  earth  and  rails. 
These  brigades  did  not  again  enter  the  action  that  day,  (which  indeed 
closed  soon  after  with  the  charge  of  Preston  and  Palmer.)  They  hid 
suffered  severely'  in  an  attack  upon  superior  numbers,  very  strongly 
posted,  and  sustained  by  numerous  and  powerful  batteries  which  had 
repulsed  all  preceeding  assaults.  The  list  of  casualties  shows  the 
courage  and  determination  of  these  troops. 

General  Adams  having  received  a  wound  while  gallantly  leading 
his  brigade,  the  command  devolved  upon  Colonel  R.  L.  Gibson,  who 
discharged  its  duties  throughout  with  courage  and  skill, 

Preston  and  Palmer  being  now  in  line,  Preston  on  the  right,  Lieu- 
tenant General. Polk  directed  me  to  advance  across  the  plain  until  I 
encountered  the  enemy.  The  right  of  my  line  rested  on  the  river, 
(  and  from  the  course  of  the  stream  would,  in  advancing,  rest  on  or 
very  near  it,)  while  the  left  touched  a  skirt  of  woods  from  which  the 
enemy  had  been  driven  during  the  day.  At  the  opposite  extremity 
of  the  plain,  a  cedar  brake  extended  in  front  of  Palmer's  whole  line, 
and  two-thirds  of  Preston's  line,  the  remaining  space  to  the  river, 
being  comparatively  open,  Avith  commanding  swells,  and  through  this 
ran  the  railroad  and  turnpike  nearly  side  by  side.  It  was  supposed 
that  the  enemy's  line  was  parallel  to  ours,  but  the  result  showed  that 
in  advancing,  our  right  and  his  left,  at  the  point  of  contact,  would  form 
an  acute  angle. 

These  two  brigades,  passing  ovei:  the  troops  lying  behind  the  rails, 
moved  across  the  plain  in  very  fine  order,  under  the  fire  of  the  ene- 


283 

toy's  artillery.  We  had  advanced  but  j^  short  distance  when  Colonel 
O'Hara  (my  acting  adjutant  general)  called  my  attention  to  a  new 
battery  in  the  act  of  taking  position  in  front  of  our  right,  between 
the  turnpikfe  and  the  river.  I  immediately  sent  him  hack  to  find  some 
artillery  to  engage  the  enemy's  battery.  He  found  and  placed  in  position 
the  Washington  artillery.  About  the  same  time,  Captain  E.  P.  Byrne 
reported  his  battery  to  me,  and  received  an  order  to  take  the  best 
position  he  could  find,  and  engage  the  enemy.  He  succeeded  in  open- 
ing on  them  after  our  line  had  passed  forward. 

A  number  of  officers  and  men  were  killed  along  the  whole  line,  but 
in  this  charge  the  chief  loss  fell  upon  Preston's  right  and  centre. 
His  casualties  amounted  to  one  hundred  and  fifty-five.  The  twentieth 
Tennessee,  after  driving  the  enemy  on  the  right  of  the  turnpike  and 
taking  twenty  five  prisoners,  was  compelled  to  fall  back  before  a  very 
heavy  artillery  and  musketry  fire,  Colonel  Smith  commanding  being 
severely  wounded,  but  it  kept  the  prisoners,  and  soon  rejoined  the 
command,  'i'he  fourth  Florida  and  sixtieth  North  Carolina,  encoun- 
tered serious  difiiculty  at  a  burnt  house  (Cowan's)  on  the  left  of  the 
turnpike,  from  fences  and  other  obstacles,  and  were  for  a  little  while 
thrown  into  some  confusion.  Here,  lor  several  minutes,  they  were 
exposed  to  a  distructiye  and  partially  enfilading  fire  at  short  range  of 
artillery  and  infantry.  But  they  were  soon  rallied  by  their  gallant 
brigade  commander,  and  rushing  with  cheers  across  the  intervening 
Bpace,  entered  the  cedar  glade.  The  enemy  had  retired  from  the  ce- 
dars, and  was  in  position  in  a  field  to  the  front  and  right. 

By  changing  the  front  of  the  command  slightly  forward  to  the  right, 
my  line  was  brought  parallel  to  that  of  the  enemy,  and  was  formed 
near  the  edge  of  the  cedars.  About  this  time,  meeting  Lieutenant 
Generel  Hardee,  w^e  went  together  to  the  edge  of  the  field  to  examine  the 
position  of  the  enemy,  and  found  him  strongly  posted  in  two  lines  of 
battle,  supported  by  numerous  batteries.  One  of  his  lines  had  the 
protection  of  the  railroad  cut,  forming  an  excellent  breastwork.  We 
had, no  artillery,  the  nature  of  the  ground  forbidding  its  use. 

It  was  deemed  reckless  to  attack  with  the  force  present.  Night 
was  now  approaching.  Presently  the  remainder  of  Lieutenant  Gene- 
ral Hardee's  corps  came  up  on  the  left,  and  with  McCown's  command 
and  a  part  of  Cheatham's  prolonged  the  line  of  battle  in  that  direc- 
tion, Adams'  brigade  also  appeared  and  formed  on  the  right  of  Pres- 
ton.    The  troops  bivouacked  in  position. 

The  commanding  General,  expecting  an  attack  upon  his  right  the 
next  morning,  ordered  me  during  the  night  to  recross  the  river  with 
Palmer's  brigade.  Before  daylight,  Thursday  morning.  Palmer  was 
in  position  on  the  right  of  Hanson.  No  general  engagement  occurred 
on  this  day,  the  troops  generally  being  enployed  in  renlenishing  the 
ammunition,  cooking  rations,  and  obtaining  some  repose. 

On  Friday,  the  2d  of  January,  being  desirous  to  ascertain  if  the 
enemy  was  establishing  himself  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Buckner  and  Major  Graves,  with  Captain  Byrne's  bat- 
tery, and  a  portion  of  the  Washington  artillery,  under  Lieutenant 
D,  C.  Vaught,  went  forward  to  our  line  of  skirmishers  towards  the 


284 

right,  ami  engaged  those  of  the  enemy  who  had  advanced,  perhaps  a 
thousand  yards,  from  the  east  bank  of  the  river.  They  soon  revc.iled 
a  strung  line  of  skirmishers,  which  was  driven  back  a  considerable 
distance  by  our  sharpshooters  and  artillery,  the  latter  firing  several 
houses  in  the  fields,  in  which  the  enemy  had  taken  shelter.  At  the 
same  time/ accompanied  by  Major  Pickett,  of  Lieutenant  General 
Hardee's  staff,  and  by  Major  Wilson,  Colonel  O'llara  and  Lieutenant 
Breckinridge  of  my  own,  I  proceeded  towards  the  left  of  our  line  of 
skirmishers,  which  passed  through  a  thick  wood,  about  five  hundred 
yards  in  front  of  Hanson's  position,  and  extended  to  the  river.  Di- 
recting Captain  Basche,  of  the  ninth,  and  (.'aptain  Steel,  of  the  fourth 
Kentucky,  to  drive  back  the  enemy's  skirmishers,  we  v.'ere  enabled  to 
see  that  he  was  occupying  with  infantry  and  artillery  the  crest  of  a 
gentle  slope  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river.  The  course  of  the  crest 
formed  a  little  less  than  a  right  angle  with  Hanson's  line,  from  which 
the  centre  of  the  position  I  was  afterwards  ordered  to  attack,  was 
distant  about  sixteen  hundred  yards.  It  extended  along  ground  part 
open  and  part  woodland. 

While  we  were  endeavoring  to  ascertain  the  force  of  ihe  eaomy, 
and  the  relation  of  the  ground  on  the  east  bank  to  that  on  the  west 
bank  of  the  river,  I  received  an  order  from  the  commanding  General 
to  report  to  him  in  person.  I  found  him  on  the  west  bank,  near  the 
ford  below  the  bridge,  and  received  from  him. an  order  to  form  my  di- 
vision in  two  lines  and  take  the  crest  I  have  just  described,  with  the 
infantry.  After  doing  this,  I  was  to  bring  up  the  artillery  and  estab- 
lish it  on  the  crest,  so  as  at  once  to  hold  it  and  enfilade  the  enemy's 
lines  on  the  other  side  of  the  river.  Pegram  and  AVharton,  who,  with 
some  cavalry  and  a  battery,  were  beyond  the  point  where  my  right 
would  rest,,  when  the  new  line  of  battle  should  be  formed,  were  di- 
rected, as  the  General  informed  me,  to  protect  my  right,  and  co-ope- 
rate in  the  attack.  Captain  Robertson  was  ordered  to  report  to  me 
with  his  own  and  Semple's  batteries  of  Napoleon  guns.  Captaih 
Wright,  who,  with  his  battery,  had  been  detached  some  days  before, 
was  ordered  to  join  his  brigade  (Preston's.)  The  brigades  of  iVdams 
and  Preston,  which  were  left  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  Wednes- 
day niglit,  had  been  ordered  to  rejoin  me.  At  the  moment  of  my  ad- 
vance, our  artillery  in  the  centre  and  on  the  left  was  to  open  on  the 
enemy.  One  gun  from  our  centre  was  the  signal  fjr  the  attack. 
The  commanding  General  desired  that  the  movement  should  be  made 
with  the  least  possible  delay. 

It  was  now  two  and  a  half  o'clock,  P.  M.  Two  of  the  brigades  had 
to  march  about  two  miles,  the  other  two  about  one  mile. 

Brigadier  General  Pillow  having  reported  for  duty,  was  assigned 
by  the  commanding  Gi,neral  to  Palmer's  brigade,  and  that  fine  officer 
resumed  comiffand  of  his  regiment,  and  was  three  times  wounded  in 
the  ensuing  engagement.  The  ninth  Kentucky  and  Cobb's  battery, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Hunt,  were  left  to  hold  the  hill  so 
often  referred  to. 

The  division,  after  deducting  the  loEses  of  Wednesday,  the  troops 
left  OR  the  hill,  and  companies  on  special  service,  consisted  of  some 


285 

forty-five  hundred  men.  It  was  drawn  up  in  two  lines — the  first  in  a 
narrow  skirt  of  woods,  the  second  two  hundred  yards  in  rear.  Pil- 
low and  Hanson  formed  the  first  line;  Pillow  on  the  right,  Preston 
supported  Pillow  ;  and  Adams'  brigade  (commanded  by  Colonel  Gib- 
son,) supported  Hanson.  The  artillery  was  placed  in  rear  of  the  sec- 
ond line,  under  orders  to  move  with  it  and  occupy  the  summit  of  the 
slope,  as  soon  as  the  infantry  should  rout  the  enemy.  Feeling  anx- 
ious about  my  right,  I  sent  two  staff  officers  in  succession  to  commu- 
nicate with  Pogram  and  Wharton,  but  received  no  intelligence  up  to 
the  moment  of  assault.  The  interval  between  my  left  and  the  troops 
on  the  hill  was  already  too  great,  but  I  had  a  battery  to  watch  it,  with  a 
small  infantry  support.  There  was  nothing  to  prevent  the  enemy 
from  observing  nearly  all  our  movements  and  preparations.  To 
reach  him,  it  was  necessary  to  cross  an  open  space  six  or  seven  hun- 
dred yards  in  width,  with  a  gentle  ascent.  The  river  was  several 
hundred  yards  in  rear  of  his  position,  but  departed  from  it  consider- 
ably as  it  flowed  towards  his  left.  I  had  informed  the  commanding 
General  that  we  would  be  ready  to  advance  at  four  o'cbck,  and  pre- 
cisely at  that  hour  the  signal  gun  was  heard  from  our  centre.  In- 
stantly the  troops  moved  forward  at  a  quick  step,  and  in  admirable  order. 
The  front  line  had  bayonets  fixed,  with  orders  to  deliver  one  vol- 
ley and  then  use  the  bayonet. 

The  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery  on  both  sides  of  the  river  com- 
menced as  soon  as  the  troops  entered  the  open  ground.  When  less 
than  half  the  distance  across  the  field,  the  quick  eye  of  Colonel 
O'Hara.discovered  a  force  extending  considerably  beyond  our  right. 
I  immediately  directed  Major  Graves  to  move  a  battery  to'  our  ri^ht 
and  open  on  them.  He  at  once  advanced  Wright's  battery,  and  ef- 
fectually checked  their  inovements.  Before  our  line  reached  the  en- 
emy's position,  his  artillery  fire  had  become  heavy,  accurate  and 
destructive.  Many^officers  and  men  fell  before  we  closed  with  their 
infantry,  yet  our  brave  fellows  rushed  forward  with  the  utmost  deter- 
mination, and  after  a  brief  but  bloody  conflict,  routed  both  the  op- 
posing lines,  took  four  hundred  prisoners  and  several  flags,  and  drove 
their  artillery  and  the  great  body  of  \heir  infantry  across  the  river. 
Many  were  killed  at  the  water's  edge*.  Their  artillery  took  time  by 
the  forelock  in  crossing  the  stream.  A  few  of  our  men,  in  their  ar- 
dor, actually  crossed  over  before  they  could  be  prevented,  most  of 
whom,  subsequently  moving  up  under  the  west  bank,  recrossed  at  a 
ford  three-quarters  of  a  mile  above. 

The  second  line  had  halted  when  the  first  engaged  the  enemy's 
infantry,  and  laid  down  under  orders ;  but  very  soon  the  casualties  in 
the  first  line,  the  fact  that  the  artillery  on  the  opposite  bank  was  more 
fatal  to  the  second  line  than  the  first,  and  the  eogerness  of  the  troops 
impelled  them  forward,  and  at  the  decisive  moment  when  the  opposing 
infantry  was  routed  the  two  lines  had  mingled  into  one,  the  only 
practical  inconvdnicnce  of  which  Avas  that  at  several  points  the  ranks 
were  deeper  than  is  allowed  by  a  proper^military  formation. 

A  strong  force  of  the  enemy  beyond  our  extreme  right  yet  re- 
mained on  the  east  side,  of  the  river.     Presently  a  new  line  of  battle 


286 

appeared  on  the  west  bank,  directly  opposite  our  troops,  and  opened 
fire,  \Yliile  at  the  same  time  large  masses  crossed  in  front  of  our  right, 
and  advanced  to  the  attack.  We  were  compelled  to  fall  back.  As 
soon  as  our  infantry  had  won  the  ridge,  Major  Gra-'es  advanced  the 
artillery  of  the  division  and  opened  fire.  At  the  same  time  Captain 
Robertson  threw  forward  Soinple's  battery  [towards  our  right,  which 
did  excellent  service.  He  did  not  advance  his  own  battery,  (which 
was  to  have  taken  position  on  the  left,)  supposing  that  that  part  of 
the  field  had  not  been  cleared  of  the  enemy's  infantry.  Although 
mistaken  in  this,  since  the  enemy  had  been  driven  acri_:S3  the  river, 
yet  I  regar^i  it  as  fortunate  that  the  battery  was  not  brought  forward. 
It  would  have  been  a  vain  contest. 

•  It  now  appeared  that  the  ground  we  had  won  was  commanded  by 
the  enemy's  batteries,  within  easy  range,  on  better  ground  upon  the 
other  side  of  the  river.  I  know  not  how  many  guns  he  had.  He 
had  enough  to  sweep  the  whole  position  from  the  front,  the  left,  and 
the  right,  and  to  render  it  wholly  untenable  by  our  force  present  of 
artillery  and .  infantry.  The  infantry,  after  passing  the  crest  and 
descending  the  slope  towards  the  river,  were  in  some  measure  pro- 
tected, and  suffered  less  at  this  period  of  the  action  than  the  artillery. 
We  lost  three  guns,  nearly  all  the  horses  being  killed,  and  not  having 
the  tice  or  men  to  draw  them  off  by  hand.  One  was  lost  because 
there  was  but  one  boy  left  (private  Wright,  of  Wright's  battery)  to 
limber  the  piece,  and  his  strength  was  unequal  to  it. 

The  command  fell  back  in  some  disorder,  but  without  the  slightest 
appearance  of  panic,  and  reformed  behind  Robercson's  battery ,^in  the 
narrow  skirt  of  timber  from  which  we  emerged  to  the  assault.  The 
enemy  did  not  advance  beyond  the  position  in  which  he  received  our 
attack.  My  skirmishers  continued  to  occupy' a  part  of  the  field  over 
which  we  aavanced  until  the  army  retired  from  Murfreesboro'..  The 
action  lasted  about  one  hour  and  twenty  minutes.  As  our  lines  ad- 
vanced to  the  attack,  several  rounds  of  artillery  were  heard  from  our 
centre,  apparently  directed  against  the  enemy  on  the  west  bank  of 
the  river. 

About  twilight  Brigadier  General  Anderson  reported  to  me  Avith 
his  brigade,  and  remained  in  position  with  me  until  the  array  retired. 
I  took  up  line  of  battle  for  the  night  a  little  in  rear  of  the  field  over 
which  wc  advanced  to  the  assault,  and  Captain  Robertson,  at  my 
request,  disposed  the  artillery  in  the  positions  indicated  for  it.  Many 
of  the  reports  do  not  discriminate  between  the  losses  of  Wednesilay 
and  Friday.  The  total  loss  in  my  division,  exclusive  of  Jackson's 
command,  is  two  thousand  one  hundred  and  forty,  of  which  I  think 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  occurred  on  Friday.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  on  this  day  was,  I  think,  greater  than  our  own,  since  he  suf- 
fered immense  slaughter  between  the  ridge  and  the  river.' 

I  cannot  forbear  to  express  my  admiration  for  the  courage  and 
constancy  of  the  troops,  exhibited  even  after  it  becanje  apparent  that 
the  "main  object  could  not  be  accomplished.  Beyond  the  general  good 
conduct,  a  number  of  enlisted  men  displayed  at  different  periods  of 
the  action    the  most  heroic  bravery.     I   respectfully   suggest  that 


287 

authority  be  given  to  select  a  certain  number  of  the  most  distin- 
guished in  each  brigade,  to  be  recommended  to  the  President  for 
promotion. 

I  cannot  enumerate  all  the  brave  officers  who  fell,  nor  the  living, 
who  nobly  did  their  duty.  Yet  I  may  be  permitted  to  lament,  in 
common  with  the  army,  the  premature  death  of  Brigadier  General 
Hanson,  who  received  a  mortal  wound  at  the  moment  the  enemy  began 
to^ive  way.  Endeared  to  his  friends  by  his  private  virtues,  and  to 
his  command  by  the  vigilance  with  which  he  guarded  its  interest  and 
honor,  he  was,  by  the  universal  testimony  of  his  military  associates, 
one  of  the  finest  officers  that  adorned  the  service  of  the  Confederate 
States.  Upon  his  fall  the  command  devolved  on  Colonel  Trabue,  who, 
in  another  organization,  had  long  and  ably  commanded  most  of  the* 
regiments  composing  the  brigade. 

1  cannot  close  without  expressing  my  obligations  to  the  gentlemen 
of  my  staff.  This  is  no  formal  acknowledgment.  I  can  never  forget 
that  during  all  the  operations  they  were  ever  prompt  and  cheerful, 
by  night  and  day,  in  conveying  orders,  conducting  to  their  positions 
regiments  and  brigades,  rallying  troops  on  the  field,  and,  indeed,  in 
the  discharge  of  every  duty»  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  name  Lieuten- 
ant Colonel  Buckner,  assistant  adjutant  general,  who  was  absent  on 
leave,  but  returned  upon  the  first  rumor  of  battle  ;  Colonel  O'Hara, 
acting  adjutant  general;  Lieutenant  Breckinridge,  aid  de  camp ; 
Major  Graves,  chief  of  artillery,  twice  wounded  and  his  horse  shot 
under  him  ;  ^Lnjor  Wilson,  assistant  inspector  general,  horse  shot; 
Captain  Sernple.  ordnance  officer;  Lieutenant  l3arragh,  severely 
wounded.  Captains  Mastin  and  Coleman,  of  my  volunteer  staff,  were 
active  and  efficient.     Tiie  former  had  liis  horse  killed  under  him. 

Doctors  Heustis  and  Pendleton,  chief  surgeon  and  meHical  inspec- 
tor, were  unremitting  in  attention  to  the  wounded.  Dr.  Stanhope 
Breckinridgi},  assistant  surgeon,  accompanied  my  headquarters,  and 
pursued  his  duties  through  the  fire  of  Wednesday.  Mr.  Buckner 
and  Mr.  Zantzinger,  of  Kentucky,  attached  themselves  to  me  for  the 
occasion,  and  were  active  and  zealous.  Captain  Blackburn,  com- 
manding my  escort,  ever  cool  and  vigilant,  rendered  essential  service, 
and  made  several  bold  reconnoissances.  Charles  Choutard,  of  the 
escort,  acting  as*  my  orderly  on  Wednesday,  displayed  much  gallantry 
and  intelligence. 

The  army  retired  before  daybreak  on  the  morning  of  the  4th  of 
January.  My  division,  moving  on  the  Manchester  road,  was  the 
rear  of  Hardee's  corps  The  ninth  Kentucky,  fortj-'-first  Alabama, 
and  Cobb's  battery,  all  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Hunt,  formed 
a  special  rear  guard.     The  enemy  did  not  follow  us. 

My  acknowledgments   are  due  to   Colonel   J,  Stoddard  Johnston, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Brent,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Garner,  of  Gene- 
ral   Bragg's    staff,  and   to    Major    Pickett,    of    Lieutenant    General 
Hardee's  staff,  for  services  on  Friday,  the  2nd  of  January. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  C.  BRECKINRIDGE, 

Major  General  C.  S.  A. 


APPENDIX  OF  GENERAL  BRAGG 


TO 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  BRE(  KINUIDGE. 


1.  A  note  dated  ten  o'clock  ten  minutes,  31st  December,  saying: 
"  The  enemy  are  undoubtetUy  advancing  upon  me." 

2  A  note  dated  half-past  eleven  o'clock,  A.  M  ,  Slst  Decembir,  in 
reply  to  what  he  calls,  in  his  report,  "  a  suggestion  from  the  com- 
manding General,"'  in  which  he  says:  '' I  am  cbcying  yonr  order.''' 
But  ex[)rcssing  the  opinion  that  the  move  would  expose  him  ''  to  a 
heavy  force  of  the  enemy,  advancing  from  Black's,"  on  Lebanon 
road. 

3.  A  note-  dated  ten  minutes  to  one  o'clock,  January,  1863,  (an 
error,  for  3l8t  December,  186  2,  the  day  it  was  received,)  correcting 
previous  report,  as  follows:  *'It  is  not  certain  the  enemy  are  advanc- 
ing upon  me  in  two  lines,"  etc.;  and  requesting  the  brigades  asked  as 
reinforcements,  against  all  imaginary  danger,  be  held  ^yhere  he  could 
get  them.  The  hour  of  this  note  shows,  too,  an  advance  of  half  a 
mile  (see  report)  in  one  hour  and  twenty  minutes. 

4.  A  note,  dated  seven,  P,  M.,  Slst  December,  an  application  to 
reinforce  Hanson  in  his  isolation. 

5.  An  order  to  Brigadier  General  Pegram,  commanding  cavalry, 
endorsed  "received,"  directing  the  cavalry  to  join  in  the  attack  to  be 
m«.de  by  General  Breckinridge. 

It  is  stated  in  the  general's  report  that  he  was  informed  the  cavalry 
was  to  attack  with  him,  that  he  failed  to  communicate  with  it,  yet  re- 
ported he  would  bo  ready  precisely  at  four  o'clock,  and  did  attack  at 
that  hour,  with  nearly  a  third  of  his  force  absent. 

The  tabular  statement  (No.  7,  8th  February,  1863,)  accompanying 
my  report  of  the  battle,  shows  the  force  of  this  division,  on  Wednes- 
day, the  3l8t  December,  to  have  been  seven  thousand  an  fifty-three. 
The  loss  of  Wednesday,  the  31st  December,  was  seven  hundred  and 
thirty,  not  four  hundred  and  forty,  as  made  by  the  division  com- 
mander ;  and  the  loss  on   Friday,  the  2d,  was  one  thousand  three 


289 

hundred  and  thirty-eight,  not  one  thousand  seven  hundred.  The  losa 
of  Wednesday,  four  hundred  and  forty,  stated  by  the  division  com- 
mander, deducted  from  his  whole  strength,  leaves  six  thousand  six 
hundred  and  thirteen;  deducting  a,j:ainst  the  regiment  and  battci-y  he 
was  ordered  to  leave  out,  and  adding  the  two  batteries  of  Captain 
Robertson,  leaves  him  still  over  six  thousand  infantry  and  artillery, 
instead  of  four  thousand  five  hundred,  with  which  he  says  he  made 
the  attack ;  and  correctino;  his  error  in  makinor  the  loss  too  small  on 
Wednesday,  and  too  large  on  Friday,  he  still  has  underrated  his  force 
by  more  than  one-fourth. 

BRAXTON  BRAGG,  General  commandijig. 


Copies  of  Dispatches   received  by   General  Bragg  on  the  field  of  Mur^ 

freeshord' : 

(No.  1.) 

The  enemy  are  undoubtedly  advancing  upon  me. 

(Signed,)  John  C.  Breckinridge. 

To  General  Bragg,  Commanding  Forces : 

The  Lebanon   road  is  unprotected,  aad  I  have  no  troops  to  fill  out 
my  line  to  it. 
A  true  copy  : 

KiNLOCH  Falconer,  A.  A.  G. 


(No.  2.; 

Half-Past  Eleven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Dec.  31,  1863, 

General  Bragg  : 

General  :  I  am  obeying  your  order,  but  my  left  is  now  engaged 
with  the  enemy  ;  and  if  I  advance  my  whole  line  farther  forward,  and 
still  retain  communication  with  my  left,  it  will  take  me  clear  away 
from  the  Lebanon  road,  and  expose  my  right  and  that  road  to  a 
heavy  force  of  the  enemy,  advancing  from  Black's. 

(Signed,)  John  C.  Breckinridge,  Major  General. 

,    A  true  copy  : 

KiNLocH  Falconer,  A.  A.  G.: 


On  the  above  was  the  following  endorsement : 

Headquarters  Army  Tennessee,  ^ 
jTi/^^aAoma,  March  6,  1863.      $    :■• 

The  order  of  which  General  Breckinridge  acknowledges  the  receipt, 
19 


290 

in  bis  note  to  General  Bragg,  of  which  the  within  is  a  copy,  was  hornc 
anil  dulv  i.lelivered  bj  mc. 

J.  Stoddard  Johnston, 
Colonel,  aide-de-camp  to  General  commanding. 


(No.  3.) 

Headquarters  BRECKiNRroGR's  DivisroN,  in  the  FrELD, 
Ten  minuefs  to  one  o'clock,  January  1,  1863. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Brent,  A.  A.  'G.: 

Colonel  :  It  is  not  certain  that  the  enemy  are  advancing  upon  me 
in  two  lines.  General  Pegram  promised  to  report  the  true  condition 
of  things.  The  two  brigades  you  ordered  to  me  might  be  held  at  the 
ford  of  the  river,  subject  to  further  developments  If  necessary,  1 
could  get  them  into  position  from  that  point  before  the  enemy  could 
reach  me. 

Very  respectfully, 

John  C.  Breckinridge,  Major  Geiieral. 
A  true  copy  : 

Kinloch  Falconer,  A.  A.'fi. 


(No.  4.) 

Headquarters  Breckinridge's  Division,  in  the  Field,  ) 

December  31 — seven,  P.  M.      ) 

General  Braxton  Bragg, 

Commanding  Army  of  Tennessee  : 

OE^ERAL.•  When  I  crossed  the  river  this  ej-ening,  with  two  brig- 
ades, I  left  General  Hai^son's  brigade  holding  the  hill,  already  desig- 
nated on  the  commanding  position  in  front  of  my  division. 

I  have  the  honor  now  to  report  that  Hanson's  brigade  is  still  in  the 
same  position,  with  three  batteries,  isolated  from  the  balance  of  the 
army. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
(Signed,)  John  C.  Breckinridgf. 

Airuecopy: 

Kinloch  Falconer. 


(No.  6.) 
Headquarters  in  the  Field — One,  P.  M.,  2d. 
Brigadier  General  Pegram  : 
•  General  :  The  general  is  about  moving,  to  take  hy  force,  a  position 


291 

between  Hower's  house  and  the  right  of  our  line,  on  the  side  of  the 
river.  General  Wharton  will  be  there.  You  will  so  arrange  and  dis- 
pose your  command,  in  the  vicinity  of  Hower's,  so  as  to  co-operate 
with  this  movement. 

Respectfully, 

George  Wm.  Brent,  A.  A.  G, 

'  Endorsed — Received. 

(Signed,)  John  Pegram,  Brigadier  General. 

A  true  copy: 

KiNLocH  Falconer,  A.  A,  G. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  CHESTER. 

Headquarters  Fiftv-First  Tenn.  Regiment, 
Near  She/byville,  JannaTy  ]3,  18Q3. 

Major  J.  G.  Martin,  A.  A.  General: 

The  following  report  of  tbc  part  taken  by  the  fifty-first  regiment 
in  the  action  before  Murfreesboro',  on  the  SIst  December,  1862, 
is  respectfully  submitted  : 

The  order  was  received  from  General  Donelson,  through  his  aid, 
Captain  Bradford,  to  advance  to  the  position  then  occupied  by  Chal- 
mers' brigade,  taking  the  guide  to  the  right  and  advance  to  the  sup- 
port of  Chalmers.  We  advanced  with  the  brigade  under  a  heavy 
ehelling,  many  shells  striking  very  near  my  lines.  When  we  bad 
arrived  within  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  or  two  hundred  yards  of 
Chalmers'  position,  a  shell  exploded  so  near  my  colors  as  to  kill  one  of 
my  guard,  private  J.  N.  Scott,  company'  I,  and  wounded  two 
other  privates,  S.  Lemens  and  Goss,  and  knocked  down  the  color- 
bearer,  sergeant  W.  M.  Blawdy.  We  made  a  short  halt  at  the  posi- 
tion recently  occupied  by  Chalmers.  When  we  advanced  to  the 
Cowan  house  under  a  heavy  fire  of  canister  and  Minnie  balls,  my 
acting  Lieutenant  Colonel,  Lieutenant  R.  A.  Burford,  late  of  the 
twenty-third  Tennessee  regiment,  was  knocked  from  his  horse  and  so 
severely  concussed  as  to  disable  him  for  several  days.  I  lose  several 
men  killed  and  wounded  before  we  reached  the  Cowan  house.  We 
found  the  Cowan  house  and  yard  filled  with  men  of  Chalmers'  brig- 
ade, in  great  confusion.  Owing  to  this  confusion  my  men  became  sonie- 
•what  scattered,  the  three  right  companies  A,  F,  and  D,  commanded 
respectively  by  Lieutenants  McMurray,  Tate  and  Williamson,  still 
kept  dressed  to  the  right,  and  report  jd  tOj^Cclonel  Savage,  and  fought 
with  the* sixteenth  regiment  through  the  iRuainder  of  the  engage- 
ment. I  refer  you  to  Colonel  Savage's  report.  I  took  the  remaining 
seven  companies  and  advanced  througl^the  field  on  the  left  of  the 
Cowan  house  to  the  woods.  Just  as  we  entered  the  woods.  Captain 
Campbell  was  shot  through  the  head  and  killed.  Captain  Russell 
was  wounded  through  the  thigh,  and  Lieutenant  Howard,  command- 
ing company  G,  was  wounded  through  the  uppei:  portion  of  the  left 
lung.  Captain  Franklin  was  so  severely  shocked  with  a  bomb  as  to 
cause  bloood  to  flow  freely  from  his  mouth,  nose  and  ears.  Several 
•of  the  men  were  wounded  here.  We  continued  to  advance  on  the  en- 
emy, who  at  this  time  was  in  full  retreat.  We  continued  to  follow 
and  fire  on  them  for  a  long  distance  through  the  woods,  taking  three 
cannon  and  several  hundred  prisoners,  sending  to  the  rear,  at  one 
time,  by  my  adjutant,  R.  A.  Connelly,  one  hundred  and  fifty-three, 
among  them  a  lieutenant  and  two  surgeons.  We  continued  the  pur- 
suit until  late  in  the  evening,  when  the  engagement  terminated. 

I  went  into  action  with  twenty  officers,  and  eight  of  them  were  killed 
or  wounded.  R.  J.  McKnight,  who  was  the  first  lieutenant  in  company 
I,  before  the  reorganization  of  the    regiment,  and  who   haa  remained 


298 

with  the  regiment  since,  as  an  independent,  did  good  service  as 
first  lieutenant  of  company  F,  bearing  himself  gallantly  through 
the  whole  fight.  My  color-sergeant,  W.  M.  Bland,  though  wounded 
early  in  the  action,  continued  to  bear  the  colors  most  gallantly  through 
the  entire  day.  After  the  fall  of  Lieutenant  Burford,  acting  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel,  I  had  to  rely  on  my  adjutant,  R.  A.  Connelly,  for  as- 
sistance, which  he  rendered  most  efficiently.  Where  the  officers  and 
men  all  did  their  duty  so  well,  it  would  be  invidious  to  discriminate, 
I  went  into  the  fight  with  two  hundred  and  seventy  men,  and  lost  ia 
killed,  wounded  and  missing  seventy-six. 
All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

JOHN  CHESTER, 
Colonel  commanding  ffty- first  Tenn.  regt. 


I 


REPORT  OF  GENERAL  TOLK. 

•  Headquarters  Polk's  Corp,  Army  of  Tennessee,  > 

Shelbyville,  February  28,   1863.      5 

To  Colonel  G.  W.  Brent,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  ibllowing  as  my  official  report 
of  the  operations  of  my  corps  in  the  battles  on  Stone  river,  in  front 
of  Murfreesboro.' 

One  of  my  brigades,  that  of  General  Maney,  was  on  outpost  duty 
in  front  of  Stewart's  creek,  and,  with  a  cavalry  brigade  under  Gene- 
ral Wheeler,  was  held  in  observation. 

The  enemy  made  a  general  forward  movement  on  the  26th,  in  their 
immediate  front,  and  they  were  ordered  to  retire  slowly  upon  the  line 
of  battle  which  the  General  commanding  had  decided  to  adopt  on 
Stone  river,  a  short  distance  from  Murfreesboro'. 

On  the  evening  of  the  28th  my  brigades  struck  their  tents  and 
retired  their  baggage  trains  to  the  rear,  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
29th  they  were  placed  in  line  of  battle. 

As  the  brigades  composing  the  division  of  Major  General  Withers 
had  not  been  engaged  in  any  heavy  battle  since  that  of  Shiloh,*  1 
placed  them  in  the  first  line.  They  extended  from  the  river,  near 
the  intersection  of  the  Nashville  turnpike  and  railroad,  southward, 
across  the  Wilkinson  pike  to  the  Triune  or  Franklin  road,  in  a  line 
irregular,  but  adapted  to  the  topography. 

The  division  of  Major  General  Cheatham  was  posted  in  the  rear  of 
that  of  Miijor  General  Withers  as  a  supporting  force.  The  division 
of  Major  General  McCown,  of  Lieutenant  General  Kirby  Smith's 
army  corps,  was  in  prolongation  of  that  of  General  Withers  on  the 
left,  having  that  of  Major  General  Cleburne,  of  Lieutenant  General 
Hardee's  corps,  as  its  supporting  force  Major  General  Breckin- 
ridge's division,  of  Lieutenant  General  Hardee's  corps,  occupied  the 
ground  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  in  the  line  of  Major  General 
Withers,  on  the  right. 

The  enemy  moved  forward,  and  our  outposts  fell  back  slowly,  and 
took  their  place  in  the  line  of  battle.  He  moved  up  cautiously,  shell- 
ing his  front  heavily  as  he  advanced. 

The  cannonading  was  responded  to  along  our  line  and  the  theatre 
of  the  impending  conflict  was  speedily  determined. 

On  the  left  of  my  line  the  skirmishing  became  very  active,  and  my 
left  brigades,  front  and  rear,,  became  hotly  engaged  with  the  line 
which  was  being  formed  iramedip,tely  before  them. 

The  enemy  pressed  forward  very  heavily,  with  both  artillery  and 
infantry,  and  a  sharp  contest  ensued.  He  endeavored  to  take  one  of 
my  batteries  by  assault,  but  was  repulsed  in  the  most  decisive  manner. 


*The  division  of  Major  General  Withers  was   placed    in   the    front    lino  by  my 
order.     See  memoranda  to  general  and  stitft'  officers  accompanying  my  report.  •> 

BRAXTON  BKAGG,   General  commanding. 


295 

In  this  preliminary  onset  many  lives  were  lost  cu  both  sules.  It 
was,  from  its  severity,  an  appropriate  introduction  to  the  grenrt  battle 
of  the  ensuing  day,  and  prepared  our  troops  for  the  work  before 
them.  Twilight  following  soon  after,  the  enemy  settled  around  his 
bivouac  fire  for  the  night. 

Orders  were  issued  by  the  General  commanding  to  attack  in  the 
morning  at  daybreak.  The  attack  was  to  be  made  by  the  extreme 
left,  and  the  whole  line  was  ordered  to  swing  around  froai  left  to 
right,  upon  my  right  brigade  as  a  pivot. 

Major  General  Breckinridge,  on  the  extreme  right  and  across  the 
river,  was  to  hold  the  enemy  in  observation  on  that  flank.  At  the 
appointed  time  the  battle  opened,  evidently  to  the  surprise  of  the 
opposing  army. 

Major  General  McCown,  who  was  acting  under  the  orders  of 
Lieutenant  General  Hardee,  was  upon  them  before  they  were  pre- 
pared to  receive  him.  He  captured  several  batteries  and  one  brigadier 
general,  wounded  another,  and  drove  three  brigades — those  composing 
the  division  of  Brigadier  General  Johnson — in  confusion  before  hi«a. 

He  was  followed  quickly  by  Major  General  Cleburne  as  a  support- 
ing force,  -v^ho  occupied  the  space  left  vacant  by  the  forw:ird  movement 
of  McCown,  between  the  left  of  ray  front  line  and  McCown's  right, 
Oppo-iug  him  in  that  space  was  the  second  division  of  Major  Gene- 
ral McCook's  corps,  under  the  command  of  Brigjilier  General  J.  G, 
Davis,  to  confront  which,  he  had  to  wheel  to  the  right,  as  the  right  of 
General  McCook's  corps  was  slightly  refused.  Cleburne's  attack  fol- 
lowing so  soon  en  that  of  McCown's,  caught  the  force  in  his  front 
also  not  altogether  prepared,  and  the  vigor  of  the  assault  was  po 
intense  that  they  too  yielded  and  were  driven. 

Major  General  Withers'  left  was  opposed  to  tho  right  of  General 
Sheridan,  commanling  the  third  and  remain  ng  dividon  of  'general 
McCook's  corps.  The  enemy's  right  was  strongly  posted,  on  a  ridge 
of  rocks,  with  chasms  intervening,  and  covered  with  a  dense  growth 
of  thick  cedars.  Being  advised  of  the  attack  he  v>ra3  to  expect  by, 
the  fierce  contest  which  was  being  waged  on  his  right,  he  was  fully 
prepared  for  the  onset,  and,  this  notice  and  the  strength  of  bis  posi- 
tion enabled  him  to  offer  a  strong  resistance  to  Withers,  whose  duty 
it  was  to  move  next.  Colonel  Looiais,  who  coram  mded  the  left  brig- 
ade, moved  up  with  energy  and  spirit  to  the  attack.  He  was  v;ounded, 
and  was  succeeded  by  Colonel  Coltart.  The  enemy  met  the  advance 
with  firmness,  but  was  forced  to  yield.  An  accos'sioa'of  force  aided 
him  to  recover  his  position,  and  its  great  strength  enabled  him  to 
hold  it.  Coltart,  after  a  gallant  charge  and  a  sharp  contest,  fell  back 
and  was  replaced  by  Colonel  Vaughan;  of  Major  Goneral  Cheatham's 
division,  of  the  rear  line, 

Vaughan,  notwithstanding  the  difficulties  of  the  ground,  charged 
the  position  with  great  energy,  but  the  enepiy,  entrenched  behind 
stones  arid  covered  by  the  thick  woods,  could  not  be  moved,  and 
Vaughan  also  was  repulsed.  This  caused  a  loss  of  tune,  and  CJtburne's 
division  pressing  Davis,  reached  a  point  where  Sheridan's  batteries, 
still  unmoved,  by  wheeling  to  tho  right  enfiladed  it.    Colonel  VaTighan 


296 

was  f^peedily  reorganized  and  returned  to  the  assault,  and.  in  con- 
junction with  Colonel  Coltart,  drove  at  the  position  with 
resistless  courage  and  energy,  and,  although  their  losses  were  very 
heavy,  the  enemy  could  not  bear  up  against  the  onset.  lie  was  dis- 
lodged, and  driven  with  the  rest  of  the  flying  battalions  of  McCook'a 
corps.  In  the  charge  the  horses  of  every  officer  of  the  field  and  staff 
of  Vaughan's  brigade,  except  one,  and  the  horses  of  all  the  officers  of 
the  field  and  staff  of  every  regiment,  except  two,  were  killed.  The 
brig  ide  lost  also  one-third  of  all  of  its  force.  It  captured  two  of  the 
enemy's  field  guns. 

The  brigade  of  Colonel  Manigault,  which  was  immediately  on  the 
right. of  that  of  Colonel  Coltart,  followed  the  movement  of  the  latter, 
a^ocording  to  instructions.  But,  as  Coltart  failed  in  the  first  onset  to 
drive  Sheridan's  right,  Manigault,  after  dashing  forward  and  pressing 
the  enemy's  lines  in  his  front  back  upon  his  second  line,  was  brought 
under  a  very  heavy  fire  of  artillery  from  the  two  batteries  on  his 
right,  supported  by  a  heavy  infantry  force.  He  was,  therefore,  com- 
pelled to  fall  back.  In  this  charge  the  brigade  suffered  severely, 
sustaining  a  very  heavy  loss  in  officers  and  men,  but  the  gallant  South 
Carolinians  returned  to  the  charge  a  second  and  a  third  time,  and 
being  aided  by  the  brigade  of  General  Maney,  of  the  second  line, 
which  came  to  his  relief  with  its  heavy  Napoleon  guns  and  a  deadly 
fire  of  musketry,  the  enemy-  gave  way  and  joined  his  comrades  on 
the  right  in  their  precipitate  retreat  across  the  Wi-lkinson  pike.  This 
movement  dislodged  and  drove  the  residue  of  Sheridan's  division,  and 
completed  the  forcing  of  the  whole  of  McCook's  corps  out  of  its  line 
of  battle,  and  placed  it  in  full  retreat.  The  enemy  left  one  of  his  bat- 
teries of  f>ur  guns  on  the  field,  which  fell  into  thehands  of  Maney's 
brigule. 

Here  I  think  it  proper  to  bring  to  the  notice  of  the  General  com- 
Hiar;  ling,  an  instance  of  self-B!icrif?cing  devotion  to  the  safety  of  their 
immediate  commands  and  of  our  cause,  which,  for  heroic  courage  and 
magnanimity,  is  without  parallel.  A  battery  was  pouring  a  murder- 
'ous  fire  into  the  brigade  of  General  Maney  from  a  point  which  made 
•it  doubtful  whether  it  was  ours  or  the  enemy's.  Two  unsuccessful 
efforts  had  been  made  by  staff  officers,  one  of  whom  was  killed  in  the 
attc-npt,  to  determine  its  character.  The  doubt  caused  the  brigade 
on  vhich  it  was  firing  to  he.sitate  in  returning  the  fire,  when  Sergeant 
Oikiey,  color-bearer  of  the  fourth  Tennessee  Confederate  regiment, 
and  Sergeant  M  C.  Hooks,  color-bearer  of  the  ninth  Tennessee  regi- 
ment, gallantly  advanced  eight  or  ten  paces  to  the  front,  displaying 
their  colors,  and,  holding  themselves  and  the  flag  of  their  country 
erect,  remained  ten  minutes  ina  pi-  ce  so  conspicuous  as  to  be  plainly 
Becp,  and  fully  to  test  from  whom  their  brigade  was  suffering  so  se- 
verely The  murderous  firing,  instead  of  abating,  was  increased  and 
inte'isified,  and  soon  demonstrated  that  the  battery  and  its  support 
were  not  friends,  but  enemies.  The  sergeants  then  returned  delibe- 
rattly  to.. their  proper  positions  in  the  line  unhurt,  and  the  enemy's 
battery  was  silenced  and  his  column  put  to  flight. 

The  front  of  Manigault  and  Maney  being  free,  they   swung  round 


297 

with  our  line  on  the  left,  and  joined  in  pressing  the  enemy   and  hjp 
reinforcements  into  the  cedar  brake. 

At  nine,  A.  M.,  Brigadier  General  Patten  Anderson,  on  Mani- 
gault's  right,  moved,  in  conjunction  with  its  left  brigade,  forward 
upon  the  line  in  its  front.  That  line  rested  with  its  right  near  the 
Wilkinson  pike,  and  is  understood. to  have  been  General  Negley's 
division,  of  General  Thomas'  corps,  which  constituted  the  centre  of 
the  enemy's  line  of  battle.  This  division,  with  that  of  General  Rous- 
seau in  reserve,  was  posted  in  the  edge  of  a  dense  cedar  brake,  with 
an  open  space  in  front,  and  occupied  a  position  of  strenfl||i  not  infe- 
rior to  that  held  by  Sheridan's  right.  His  batteries,  which  occupied 
commanding  positions,  and  enabled  him  to  sweep  the  open  field  in  his 
front,  were  served  with  admirable  skill  and  vigor,  and  were  strongly 
supported.  Anderson  moved  forward  his  brigade  with  firmness  and 
decision.  The  fire  of  the  enemy,  of  both  artillery  and  infantry,  was 
terrific,  and  his  left  for  a  moment  wavered.  Such  evidences  of  de- 
structive firing  as  were  left  on  the  foiest  [from  which  this  brigade 
emerged  have  rarely,  if  ever,  been  seen.  The  timber  was  torn  and 
crushed. 

Nothing  but  a  chariie  could  meet  the  demands  of  the  occasion. 
Orders  were  given  to  take  the  batteries  at  all  hazards,  and  it  was 
done.  The  batteries,  two  in  number,  were  carried  in  gallant  style. 
Artillerists  were  captured  at  their  pieces,  a  large  number  of  whom 
and  of  their  infantry  support,  were  killed  upon  the  spot,  and  one 
company  entire,  with  its  officers  and  colors  were  captured.  The 
number  of  field  guns  captured  in  this  movement  was  eight,  which, 
together  with  four  others  from  which  the  gunners  had  been  driven  by 
the  heavy  firing  from  Maney's  long  range  guns  and  Manigault's  mus- 
ketry on  the  left,  made  twelve  taken  on  that  part  of  the  field  This 
.  was  one  of  the  points  at  which  we  encountered  the  most  determined 
opposition;  but  the  onward  movement  of  the  Mississippians  and  Ala- 
bamians  was  irresistible,  and  they  swept  the  enemy  before  them, 
driving  himinto  the  dense  cedar  brake  to  join  the  extending  line  of 
his  fugitives. 

This  work  was  not  done,  however,  without  a  heavy  loss  of  officers 
and  men.  The  thirtieth  Mississippi,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel Scales,  in  the  act  of  charging,  lost  sixty-two  officers  and  men 
killed,  and  one  hundred  thirty-nine  wounded  ;  others  lost  in  propor- 
tion. Here  the  bravo  Lieuter.ant  jGolonel  James  G.  Antry,  of  the 
.  twenty- seventh  Mississippi,  fell,  while  cheering  and  encouraging  his 
troops. 

The  supporting  brigade  of  General  Anderson,  commanded  by  Brig- 
adier General  A.  P.  Stewart,  moved  with  that  of  Anderson.  It  was 
ordered  by  the  division  commander.  Major  General  Withers,  who  was 
in  command  of  Major  General  Cheatham's  two  right  brigades,  as 
Major  General  Cheatham  was  of  his  tvo  left,  to  move  to  the  support 
of  the  left  regiments  of  Anderson,  which  were  pressed.  These  regi- 
ments, which  had  suffered  greatly,  he  replaced,  and  moving  forward, 
attacked  the  enemy  and  his  reinforcements  on  Anderson's  left.  After 
strong  resistance,  they  were  driven  backj  shattered  and  in  confusion, 


29S 

to  join  the  host  of  their  flying  comrades  in  their  retreat  through  the 
Cedars.  In  their  flight  they  left  two  of  their  field  guns,  *hich  fell 
into  the  hands  of  Stewart's  brigade. 

Brigadier  General  Chalmer's  brigade,  the  remaining  one  of  those 
constituting  ray  front  line,  Avhose  right  flank  rested  on  the  river,  waa 
the  last  to  move.  This  brigade,  owing  to  its  position  in  the  line,  ^^aa 
called  on  to  encounter  a  measure  of  personal  8ufl"ering  from  exposure 
beyond  that  of  any  other  in  my  corps.  The  part  of  the  line  it  occu- 
pied lay  across  an  open  field,  in  full  view  of  the  enemy,  and  in  range 
of  his  fie^^uns.  It  had  thrown  up  a  slight  rifle-pit,  behind  which 
it  was  plaffd,  and  to  escape  observation  it  was  necessary  for  it  to  lie 
down  and  abstain  from  building  fires.  In  this  position  it  remained, 
awaiting  the  opening  of  the  battle,  for  more  than  forty-eight  hours, 
wet  with  rain  and  chilled  with  cold.  Added  to  this,  the  enemy's  sh-ot 
and  shell  were  constantly  passing  over  it.  Not  a  murmur  of  discon- 
tent was  heard  to  escape  those  who  composed  it.  They  exhibited  the 
highest  capacity  of  endurance  and  firmness  in  the  most  discouraging 
circumstances.  In  its  front  lay  the  right  of  Brigadier  General 
Palmer's  division,  of  Major  General  Crittenden's  corps,  which  con- 
stituted the  left  wing  of  the  enemy's  line  of  battle. 

The  general  movement  from  the  left,  having  reached  it  at  ten 
o'clock,  it  was  ordered  to  the  attack,  and  its  reserve,  under  Brigadier 
General  Donelson,wa3  directed  to  move  forward  to  its  support.  This 
charge  was  made  in  fine  style,  and  was  met  by  the  enemy,  who  was 
strongly  posted  in  the  edge  of  the  cedar  brake,  with  a  murderous 
fire  of  artillery  and  infantry.  In  that  charge  their  brigade  com- 
mander. General  Chalmers,  was  severely  wounded  by  a  shell,  which 
disqualified  him  for  further  duty  on  the  field.  The  regiments  on  the 
left  recoiled  an  1  fell  back  ;  those  of  the  right  were  moved  to  the  left, 
to  hold  their  place,  and  were  pressed  forward.  The  brigade  of  Gene- 
ral Donelson  having  been  ordered  forward  to  Chalmers'  support, 
moved  with  steady  stop  upon  the  enemy's  position  and  attacked  it 
with  great  energy.  The  slaughter  was  terrific  on  both  sides.  In  this 
charge,  which  resulted  in  breaking  the  enemy's  lines  at  every  point, 
except  the  extreme  left,  and  driving  him  as  every  other  part  of  his 
line  attacked  had  been  driven,  Dcnclson  reports  the  capture  of  eleven 
guns  and  about  one  thousand  prisoners.  The  regiments  of  Chalmers' 
brigade  having  been  separated  after  he  fell,  moved  forward  and 
attached  themselves  to  other  commands,  fighting  with  them  with  gal- 
lantry, as  opportunity  oflered.  There  was  no  instanceof  more  distin- 
guished bravery  exhibited  during  this  battle  than  was  shown  by  the 
command  of  General  Donelson.  In  the  charge  which  it  made,  it  was 
brought  directly  under  the  fire  of  several  batteries  strongly  posted 
and  supported,  which  it  assaulted  with  eager  resolution.  All  the  line 
in  their  front  was  carried,  except  the  extreme  right ;  this  point,  which 
was  the  key  to  the  enemy's  position,  and  which  was  known  as  the 
Round  Forest,  was  attacked  by  the  right  of  the  brigade.  It  was  met 
by  a  fire  from  artillery  and  musketry,  which  mowed  down  more  than 
half  its  number.  The  sixteenth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  John  H.  Savage,  lost  two  hundred  and 


/ 


299 

seven  out  of  four  hundred  and  two.     It  could  not  advance  and  would 
not  retire. 

Their  colonel,  with  characteristic  bravery  and  tenacity,  deployed 
what  was  left  of  his  command  as  skirmishers,  and  held  his  position 
for  three  hours.  In  the  eighth  Tennessee,  of  the  right  wing,  under 
the  lamented  Colonel  Moore,  who  fell  mortally  wounded,  and  who  was 
succeeded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  A.  Anderson,  the  loss  was  three 
hundred  and  six  men  and  officers,  out  of  four  hundred  and  twenty-five. 

The  enemy  was  now  driven  from  the  field  at  all  points  occupied  by 
him  in  the  morning,  along  his  whole  line,  from  his  right  to  the  extreme 
left,  and  was  pressed  back  until  our  line  occupied  a  position  at  right 
ahgles  to  that  which  we  held  at  the  opening  of  the  battle.  After 
passing  the  Nashville  and  Murfree?boro'  tuimpike,  his  flight  was  cov- 
ered by  large  bodies  of  fresh  troops  and  numerous  batteries  of  artil- 
lery, and  the  advance  of  our  exhausted  columns  was  checked. 

His  extreme  left  alone  held  its  position.  This  occupied  a  piece  of 
ground  well  chosen  and  defended,  the  river  being  on  the  one  hand  and 
a  deep  railroad  cut  on  the  other.  Jt  was  held  by  a  strong  force  of 
artillery  and  infantry,  well  supported  by  a  reserve,  composed  of  Brig- 
adier General  Wood's  division. 

My  last  reserve  having  been  exhausted,  the  brigades  of  Major  Gen- 
eral Breckinridge's  division  and  a  small  brigade  of  General  J.  11. 
Jackson,  posted  to  guard  our  right  flank,  were  the  only  troops  left 
that  had  not  been  engaged.  Four  of  these  were  ordered  to  report  to 
me;  they  came  in  detachments  of  two  brigades  each,  the  first  arriving 
nearl}''  two  hours  after  Donelson's  attack,  the  other  about  an  hour 
after  the  first. 

The  commanders  of  these  brigades,  the  first  composed  of  the  brig- 
ades of  Gener:;ls  Adams  and  Jackson,  the  second  under  General 
Breckinridge  in  person,  consisting  of  the  brigades  of  General  Preston 
and  Colonel  Palmer,  had  pointed  out  to  them  the  particular  object-  to 
be  accomplished,  to  wit:  to  drive  the  enemy's  left,  and  especially  to 
dislodge  him  from  his  position  in  the  Round  Forest.  Unfortunately  the 
opportune  moment  for  putting  in  these  detachments  had  passed. 

Could  they  have  been  thrown  upon  the  enemy's  left  immediately 
following  Chalmers'  and  Donelson's  assault,  in  quick  Successions  the 
extraordinary  strength  of  his  position  would  have  availed  him  nothing. 
That  point  would  have  been  carried,  and  his  left  been  driven  back  on 
his  panic  stricken  right,  would  have  completed  his  confusion,  and  in- 
sured an  utter  rout.  It  was,  however  otherwise,  and  the  time  lost 
between  Donelson's  attack  and  the  coming  up  of  these  detachments 
in  succession,  enabled  the  enemy  to  recover  his  self  possession,  to 
mass  a  number  of  heavy  batteries,  and  concentrate  a  strong  infantry. 
force  in  position,  and  thus  make  a  successful  attack  very  difficult. 
Nevertheless  the  brigades  of  Adams  and  Jackson  assailed  the  enemy's 
lines  with  energy,  and  after  a  severe  contest  was  compelled  to  yield 
and  fall  back.  They  were  promptly  rallied  by  General  Breckinridge, 
who  having  preceeded  his  other  brigades,  reached  the  ground  at  that 
moment,  but  as  they  were  very  much  cut  up,  were  not  required  to  re- 
new the  attack. 


300 

The  brigades  of  Preston  and  Palmer,  on  arriving,  renewed  the  as- 
sault, with  the  same  undaunted  determination  ;  but  as  Another  battery 
bad  been  added  since  the  previous  ettack.to  a  position  alrrady  strong 
and  difficult  of  access,  this  assault  was  alike  ineffectual.  The  enemy, 
though  not  driven  from  his  position,  was  severely  punished;  and  aa 
the  day  was  far  spent,  it  was  not  deemed  advisable  to  renew  the  attack 
that  evening,  and  the  troops  hel  1  the  line  they  had  for  tho  night. 
The  followii;g  morning,  instead  of  finding  him  in  position  to  receive 
a  renew-al  of  the  attack,  showed  that,  taking 'advantage  of  the  night, 
be  had  abandoned  tins  last  position  of  his  first  line  ;  and  the  opening 
ofthe  new  year  found  us  masters  of  the  field. 

This  battle  of  the  31st  of  December  developed,  in  all  parts  of  the 
field  which  came  under  my  observation,  the  highest  qualities  of  the 
soldier  among  our  troops.  The  promptness  with  which  they  moved 
upon  the  enemy,  whenever  they  were  called  to  attack  him,  the  vigor 
and  clan  with,  which  their  movements  were  made,  the  energy  with 
which  they  assaulted  his  strong  positions,  and  the  readiness  \yith 
which  they  responded  to  the  call  to  repeat  their  assaults,  indicated  a 
spirit  of  dauntless  courage  which  places  them  in  the  very  nrr»t  rank 
of  the  soldiers  of  the  world.  For  the  exhibition  of  these  high  traits, 
they  are  not  a  little  indebted  to  the  example  of  their  ollicers,  whose 
courage  and  energy  had  won  their  confidence  and  admiration. 

Tlie  1st  of  January  passed  without  any  material  movement  of  either 
side,  beyond  occasional  skirmii:hia"g  along  the  lines  in  our  front.  I 
ordered  Chalmers'  brigade,  now  commanded  by  Colonel  White,  to  oc- 
cupy the  ground  in  rear  of  th^  Round  Forest,  just  abandoned  by  the 
enemy.     This  it  did,  first  driving  out  his  pickets. 

On  the  2d,  there  was  skirmishing  during  the  morning.  In  the 
afternoon,  about  three  o'clock.  General  Jlragg  announced  his  intention 
to  attack  the  enemy,  who  was  supposed  to  be  in  force  on  the  north 
side  of  the  river,  and  ordered  mc  to  relieve  two  of  General  Breckin- 
ridge's brigades,  which  were  still  in  my  front,  and  send  them  over  to 
that  officer,  who  had  returned  to  his  post,  as  he  proposed  to  make  the 
attack  with  the  troops  of  Breckinridge's  division.  I  issued  the  neces- 
sary orders  at  once,  and  the  troops  were  transferred,  as  directed. 
The  General  commanding  ordered  mc  also  to  open  fire  with  three  bat- 
teries, which  had  been  placed  in  Chalmers  line,  to  distiact  the  enemy 
at  the  time  of  Breckinridge's  attack,  and  to  shell  out  of  the  Avoods, 
which  covered  his  line  of  movement,  any  sharpshooters  who  might 
annoy  him  while  approaching  the  river. 

The  shelling  ordered,  which  was  to  be  the  signal  for  Breckinridge's 
advance,  was  promptly  executed,  and  the  woods  were  cleared.  Of 
the  particulars  of  this  movement.  General  Breckinridge  will  speak  in 
his  own  report. 

When  the  fire  of  rny  batteries  was  opened,  as.  above,  there  was  a 
forward  movement  of  the  enemy's  infantry  upon  my  pickets  in  the 
Round  Forest,  and  a  sharp  conflict,  which  lasted  for  some  time,  and 
ended  in  the  enemy  regaining  possession  ofthe  forest.  This  position 
being  of  much  value  to  us,  I  found  it  necessajry  to  regain  it,  and  gave 
the  requisite  order.     On  the  'following  morning,  at  daybreak,  I  or^- 


301 

dered  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery  from  several  batteries  to  open  upo|i  it, 
and  after  it  was  thoroughly  shelled,  detachments  from  the  brigades  of 
Colonels  White  and  Coltart,  charged  it  with  bayonet,  at  a  double 
quick,  and  put  the  enemy  to  flight;  clearing  it  of  his  regiments,  and 
capturing  a  Lieutenant  Colonel  and  thirteen  men.  The  enemy, 'ho, v- 
ever,  knew  the  importance  of  the  position,  and  was  occupied  during 
the  day  in  throwing  up  earthworks  within  easy  range.  These  being 
completed,  he  opened  fire  from  these  points  with  batteries  of  heavy 
guns,  and  placed  it  under  a  concentrated  fire  for  many  minutes.  It 
was  a  severe  ordeal,  and  was  followed  by  a  charge  of  heavy  force  of 
infantry;  but  our  gallant  troops  met  the  advance  with  firmness,  and 
after  a  severely  contested  struggle,  drove  back  the  advancing  column, 
and  held  possession  cf  the  coveted  position.  In  this  battle  we  lost 
several  men  and  officers,  especially  of  the  first  Louisiana.  Among 
.those  who  fell,  mortally  wounded,  was  Lieutenant  Colonel  Farrar. 
This  young  officer  was  one  of  the  most  promising  of  the  army  ;  intel- 
ligent, chivalrous  and  brave.  His  loss  will  be  felt  by  his  country, 
and  lamented  by  his  many  fiiends. 

This  battle  closed  the  operations  of  my  corps  in  the  field  in  front  of 
Murfreesboro'.  By  orders  from  the  General  commanding,  after  being* 
eight  days  under  arms,  and  in  actual  battle  or  heavy  skirmishing,  in 
the  rain  and  cold,  witfeout  tents,  and  much  of  the  time  without  fires, 
my  troops  were  retired  froin  the  field,  and  ordered  to  take  up  a  posi- 
tion near  Shclbyville.  This  they  did  at  their  leisure,  and  in  perfectly 
good  order.  In  all  the  operations  in  which  they  were  engaged,  no 
troops  ever  displayed  greater  gallantry,  or  higher  powers  of  endu- 
rance. They  captured  fifteen  hundred  (1501))  prisoners  and  twenty- 
six  (26)  guns. 

For  the  details  connected  with  these  operations,  I  beg  leave  to  refer 
to' the  reports  of  division,  brigade  and  regimentalcommanders.  To 
the  same  report?,  also,  I  respectfully  refer  for  instances  of  distin- 
guished gallantry,  in  the  case  of  corps  and  individuals.  I  beg  leave 
to  refer,  also,  to  the  accompanying  statement,  marked  A,  containing 
a  list  of  the  number  of  men  and  officers  of  my  corps  engaged  in  the 
battle.  Also  to  B,  containing  the  number  of  killed,  wounded  and 
missing.  I  refer  also  to  the  accompanying  maps  of  the  field  of  battle, 
marked  Bb.  This  map  was  prepared  with  care,-  by  Lieutenant  Mor- 
ris, of  the  engineers,  of  my  corps,  from  actual  survey,  and  from  the 
reports  of  the  corps-  commanders  of  the  Federal  army.  From  these 
sources  he  has  been  enabled  to  fix  the  relative  positions  of  the  corps, 
divisions  and  brigades,  of  both  armies,  at  different  periods  during  the 
battle,  with  great  accuracy.  The  statements  A  and  B,  I  submit  as 
parts  of  this  report;   also,  the  accompanying  map,  marked  Bb. 

To  Major  Generals  Cheatham  and  Withers,  my  division  com- 
mander.", I  am  under  obligations,  for  their  cordial  support  and 
active  co-operation  in  conducting  the  opei-ations  of  my  command. 
Also  to  the  brigade  commanders,  who,  without  exception,  managed 
the  parts  assigned  them,  in  the  general  programme  of  the  battle,  with 
great  skill,  energy  and  judgment.  Of  the  conduct  of  the  regimental, 
"battery  and  subordinate  commands,  their  immediate  commanders  will 


302 

Bpeak  in  their  reports,  as  they  were  mor^  directly  under  their  eye. 
Our  artillery,  also,  ■was  well  handled,  when  it  could  be  used,  but 
the  dense  cedar  brake  into  which  the  enemy  was  driven  continuously, 
prevented  it  from  following  our  advancing  columns.  This  made  it 
necessary  to  have  the  work  done  chiefly  with  the  musket  and  bayonet. 

To  Major  George  Williamson,  A.  A.  G.,who  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  shoulder;  Major  Thomas  M.  Pack,  A.  A.  G.;  Lieutenant  Col- 
onel T.  F.  Sevier,  inspector  general ;  Lieutenant  P.  B.  Spence,  of 
the  same  department;  Lieutenant  John  Rawle,  acting  chief  of  ord- 
nance ;  Captain  Felix  Robertson,  acting-  chief  t>f  artillery  ;  Captain 
J.  R,  Sayers  and  Lieutenant  W.  J.  Morris,  of  engineers  ;  Lieutenant 
W.  M.  N.  Otey,  chief  of  the  signal  corps ;  Doctor  Cavanaugh,  medi- 
cal director;  Majors  T.  \Y.  Peters  and  R.  M.  Mason,  of  the  quarter- 
masters' department ;  Major  J.  J.  Murphy,  chief  of  commissary, 
members  of  my  general  staff,  I  am  indebted,  for  their  vigilance  and 
activity  in  the  execution  of  my  orders,  and  the  fearlessness  with 
which  they  exposed  themselves  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  To 
my  aid-de-camp,  Lieutenant  W.  B.  Richmond,  I  am  particularly 
indebted  for  the  intelligence,  decision  and  energy  with  which,  on 
Chis  as  on  other  fields,  h^  gave  me  his  support.  Also,  to  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Henry  T.  Yeatman,  volunteer  aid,  for  services  of  a  like 
character. 

And  our  thanks  and  praise  are,  above  all,  due  to  Almighty  God, 
the  Lord  of  Hosts,  for  the  success  of  Our  arms  and  the  preservation 
of  our  lives. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

L.  POLK,       ^ 
•  Lieutenant  General  commanding. 

The  report,  though  dated  February  28,  was  only  received  at  head- 
quarters army  of  Tennessee  22d  March,  with  a  letter  of  transmissai 
dated  2d  March,  at  Shelbyville. 


appe:^dix  to  general  polk's- report. 


*•  Headquarters  Polk's- Corps, 

Shelbyville,  April  6,  1863 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  Richmond,  Va.  : 


} 


In  my  report  of  the  battles  before  Murfreesboro',  there  occurs  the 
following  passage  : 

"My  last  reserves  having  been  exhausted,  the  brigades  of  Major 
General  Breckinridge's  division,  and  a  small  brigade  of  General  J,  R. 
Jackson's,  posted  to  guard  our  right  flank,  were  the  only  troops  left 
that  had  not  been  engaged.  Four  of  them  were  oidered  to  report  to 
me.  They  came  in  detachments  of  two  brigades  each,  the  first  arriv- 
ing near  two  hours  after  Donelson's  attack,  the  other  about  one  hour 
after  the  first." 

I  then  expressed  the  opinion  that  if  these  brigades  conld  have  fol- 
lowed the  attack  of  Chalmers  and  Donelson  in  quick  succession,  the 
result  of  our  operations  would  have  been  a  complete  victory, 

I  have  been  informed  that  certain  friends  of  General  Breckenridge, 
who  have  seen  my  report,  apprehended  that  the  manner  in  which  these 
statements  are  made,  will  produce  the  impression  that  these  brigades 
were  ordered  to  my  support  at  the  time  I  first  ordered  them,  and  that 
they  failed  to  comply  with  the  order,  one  detachment  arriving  two 
hours  after  it  was  ordered,  and  the  other  an  hour  later. 

I  desire  to  say  that  it  was  not  my  intention  to  produce  such  an 
impression.  I  did  not  know  at  what  time  they  were  ordered  to  my 
support.  I  perceived  that  they  would  be  needed;  and  asked  for  them 
before  the  attack  by  Chalmers  and  Donelson  was  made,  but  whether 
they  would  be  sent  me  or  not,  I  did  not  know  until  just  before  they 
reported  to  me  on  the  field. 

With  the  request  that  this  may  accompany  and  be  made  a  part  of 
my  report, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

L.  POLK, 
Lieutenant  General  commanding. 


To  this  report,  the  following  was  appended 


Headquarters  Armv  of  Tennessee, 
TuUahoma,  Tenn.,  May  2,  1863. 


i 


I  transmit  this  explanatory  report  of  Lieutenant  General  Polk. 
In  the  language  of  his  original  report,  I  see  no  suggestion  that  thie 


804 

brigades  of  Breckinridge  did  not  reach  the  field  of  action  in  due  time 
after  being  ordered. 

Had  I  done  eo,  I  should  have  corrected  it.  They  moved  as  soon  as 
ordered,  and  I  ordered  them  as  soon  as  I  ascertained  that  the  fears  of 
an  attack  on  the  right  were  groundless.   . 

BRAXTON  BRAGG, 

General  commanding.    « 


b^-'- 


305 


FIELD  RETURN,  showing  the  aggregate  number  of  officers  and  men 
belonging  to  Polkas  corps  d^armee,  actually  engaged  in  the  battles  befo-e 
Murfreesboro\  ffoni^  2&h  December^  1862,  to  January  4th,  1863  .* 


Command. 

Officers. 

Mkn. 

Total. 

Cheatham's  Division, .,..; 

Withers'  DiTision 

490 
637 

5,863 
7,237 

6.359 

7,774 

Grand   total 

1,033 

13,100 

14,133 

Shelbyvflle,  Tenn.,  March  23,  1863. 

L.  POLK,   • 
Lieutenant  General  commanding. 
Thos.  M.  Ja<:k,  a.  a.  Ckncral. 


LTSt  op  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  in  Polk's  Corps, 
in  the  battles  befqrc  Murfreesboro\  from  Dec.  28^A.   to  Jan.  4th,  1863  .' 

Cheatham's  Division. 


Brigades. 

Killed. 

WODNDKD. 

Missing. 

Total. 

Donelson's, t 

*     102 

50 

20 

105 

670 
301 
164 

562 

19 
2 
6 

88 

6'.)1 

353 

Mantys ^ 

Vauffhan's, .' 

190 
705 

277 

1,597 

65 

1,939 

Withers' 

Division. 

Bkioades. 

Killed. 

WoUNDKD. 

Missing. 

Total. 

Deas' 

68 

67 

130 

73 

600 

445 
620 
428 

27 
36 
13 
16 

095 

Ch  aimer's, » 

548 

Walthall's, 

763 

517 

338 

2,093 

92 

2,523 

Grand  total  in  Polk's  cc-pg,. 

615 

3,690 

167 

4.462 

He.\dquarters  Polk's  Corps,  Army  Tenn., 
Shelbyville,  March  21,  1863. 

W.  B.  RICHMOND, 
20  Aid'de-cOmp. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  CIIEATnAM'. 

Headquarters  CnEATnAM's  Ditision,  V 

Polk''s  Corps,  Ariny   of  Tennesste.,       > 
Shelby ville,  February  20,  1803.  ) 

Major  Thomas  M.  Jack,  A.  A.   G. ; 

1  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  folloTring  report  x^  the  action  of 
tliis  division  in  the  battles  before  Murfreesboro',  ccmmencing  on  the 
3  'th  of  December,  ami  ending  on  the  3rd  of  Janairy.  The  division 
is  composed  of  the  following  brigade?  and  batteries: 

Brigedkr  General  D.  S.  Dondson's  Brigade. 

Sixteenth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  John'  H,  Sav- 
age. 

Thirty-eighih  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  John  C, 
Carter. 

Fifty-first  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  John  Chester, 

Eighth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  \V.  L.  Moore. 

Eighty-fourth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  S.  S.  Stan-* 
ton. 

Captain  W.  \V.  Carnes'  light  battery. 

Brigadier  Gateral  A.  P.  Stewarfs  Brigade. 

Fourth  and  Fifth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  0.  F, 
Stralel. 

Twenty-fourth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  H.  L.  W. 
Biatton. 

Thirty-first  and  thirty-third  regiments  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colo- 
nel E.  E.  Tansil. 

Nineteenth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  F.  M.  Walker. 

Captain  J.  E.  Stanford's  light  battery. 

Brigadier  General  George  Mauley's  Brigade. 

First  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  H.  R.  Field. 

Fourth  regiment  Tennessee   volunteers,  Colonel  J.  A.  McMurray. 

Sixth  and  ninth  regiments  of  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  S.  C. 
Hunt. 

Captain  Frank  M-anoy's  company  of  sharpshooters. 
i*^  Captain  W.  W.  Turners  battery,  (Mississippi.) 

Brigadier  General  Preston  Smith's  Brigade. 

One  hundred  and  fifty-fourth  senior  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers, 
Lieutenant  Colonel . 


507 

Thirteenth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  A.  J.  Vaughan. 

Forty-seventh  regiment  Tcnncssae  volunteers,  Major . 

Twenty-ninth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteer^.  

Ninth  regiment  Texas  infantry.  Colonel  W.  M.  Young. 

Captain  Allen's  company  of  sharpshooters. 

Captain  W.  L.  Scott's  light  battery. 

On  the  26th  of  December,  General  Maney's  brigade  being  on  out- 
post duty  at  Stewart's  creek,  hearing  heavy  firing  in  front,  was  moved 
forward  by  General  Maney  to  Savergne,  five  miles  towards  Nashville, 
where  he  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy  advancing,  who  encamped  that 
night  three  miles  beyond  Sivcrgne.  After  a  consultation  with  Gene- 
ral Wheeler,  who  was  stationed  at  this  a<lvanced  post  with  his  cavalry  • 
brigade,  they  advised  the  commander-in-chief  that  a  general  advance 
of  the  enemy  had  comrnenced.  On  the  morning  of  th*e  27th,  the 
enemy  again  commenced  his  advance.  Our  troops,  both  infantry  and, 
•cavalry,  skirmished  constantly  with  the  enemy ;  and  gradually  fulling 
buck,  the  infantry  that  night  halting  at  Orerale's  creek,  and  next 
day  falling  back  to  Murfrceshoro'. 

On  Monday  morning  at  daylight  the  command,  (having  the  day 
previous  cooked  three  days'  rations,  struck  their  tents,  loaded  their 
wagons  and  sent  them  to  the  rear,)  commenced  crossing  Stone's  rives, 
and  formed  line  of  battle  in  the  following  order  from  right  to  left  :, 
First  brigade.  Brigadier  General  Donelson  commanding ;  second; 
brigade,  Brigadier  General  Stewart  commanding  ;  third  brig  tdo,  Brig- 
adier" General  Maney  commanling;  fourth  brigade.  Colonel  A.  J.. 
Vaughan — the  line  extending  from  the  Nashville  railroad  on  the  right 
to  the  Franklin  road  ou  the  left. 

My  division  Avas  formed  from  five  to  eight  hundred  yards   in  rear  of 
Major  General  Withcr's  division,  and  was  the  supporting  force  to  that 
division,  which  formed  the    front   line    of  Polk's   corps.     Nothing  of 
importance  occurred  until  the  middle   of  the  day  on  Tuesday,  when, 
the  firing  having  commenced  between  the  opposing  forces  and  contin- 
ued to  increase  until  near  sunset,  and  the   enemy,  having  establishedt 
his  lines  as  far  to  his  right  as  the  Triune  road,  where  ni}    left  rested^, 
in  a  dense  cedar  thicket,  and  more  than  three  hundred  yards  in  front 
of  Colonel  Loomis'   brigade,  -the   firing   became  very,  heavy.     In  the 
meantime,  Robertson's  battery,  which  had  been  placed  in  the  Triune 
road,  supported  \\\  rear  by  the  one  hundred, and   fifty.- fourth  Tennes- 
see regiment,  which  I  had  detached  from.  Colonel  Vaughan's  Irigade 
for  that  sjecial  duty,  opened  upon  the  enemy  a  heavy  fire,  which  was. 
promptly  answered  by  two  of  the  enemy's  batteries.     In  a  short  time 
afterwards  three  of  the  enemy's   regiments  made   a  dash   on  Robert- 
son's battery,  but  were  repulsed  by  a  few  rounds  of  canister  from  the 
battery,  and  a  well-directed  volley  of  musketry  from  the  one  hundred 
and  fifty  fourth    regiment   Tennessee    volunteers,    and  two  Alabama 
regiments  on   Colonel   Loomis'   left,   after  losing  quite   a  number  in-, 
killed  and  w^ounded. 

During  this  engagement  Captain  Robertson  had  fourteen  mea, 
wounded  and  several  killed,  and  one  ammunition  chest  blown  up  by' 
the  explosion  of  a  shell  from  the  enemy.     The  one  hundred  and  fifty-- 


808 

fourth   regiment  Tcnnesssg  voiKntecrs  lost  considerably  iif  this  eiP-^ 
gagomf  nt,  but  behaved  theciaelves  most  gallantly.     The  cnemy'a  bat-^' 
terics  kept  up  a    continual    shViling    -jntil    quite    dark.      The  loss  in 
Loorais'  and  Vaughan's  brigades   and  Robertsoa'a   battery  vf-is   over 
Bcvcntj-five. 

At  daylight  on  .the  morning  of  thcSlst,  ths  attack  wascomirenced 
on  our  extreme  left  by  Major  General  M<jCown'8  division,  supported 
by  Major  General  Claibourne's  division,  of  Lieutenant  General  Har- 
dee's corps— the  plan  of  the  battle  being  that  the  attack  should  be 
made  by  brigades,  each  advi:ncing  to  the  front,  attacking  th«  enemy's' 
lines,  then  wheeling  to  the  ri^ht  to  take  him  iri  flank,  to  be  folicwed". 
up  in  like  manner  from  left  to  right. 

At  seven  o'clock,  Colonel  Loomis'  brigade,,  in  tiki  fVont  line,  was 
•ordered  to  the  attack,  and  being  not  more  than  three  hundred  yards 
"from  the  enemy's  lines,  was  immediately  engaged.  Hi3  command  had'' 
.  to  cross  an  open  woods  and  a  corn-field  in  order  to  reach  the  enemy,.  ' 
who  -were  strongly  posted  in  a,  cftdar  wood.  He  made  a  gallant  dash,^ 
but  after  reaching  near  the  woods  was  compelled  to  fall  bcic^'f  to  His 
original  position,  when  the  .command  was  soon  reorganized  unier  my 
own  superintendence.  In  the  meantime,  the  supporting  brigade,  un- 
der Colonel  Vaughan,  had  advanced  over  the  same  ground  and  attact- 
€d  the  enemy  furiously,  driving  him  aWay  from  and  capturing  two  of 
his  guns,  but  was  forced  to  give  orders  to  his. command  to  fall  back, 
on  account  of  a  murderous  fire  that  was  turned  upon  him  from  his 
right,  completely  enfilading  his  lines.  They  however  retired  in  good 
order,  and  in  a  few  moments  after  being  reformed  were  again  sent  for- 
ward by  me,  with  instructions  to  bear  somewhat  to  the  right,  so  as 
partially  to  avail  themselves  of  the  heavy  woods. 

In  the  meantime  the  ninth  Texas  regiment,  under  the  command  of 
that  gallant  officer.  Colonel  W.  II.  Young,  who  didnot  hear  the  order, 
became  detached,  and  was  further  to  the  left.  It  remained  in  th© 
•^oods  and  continued  to  fight  the  enemy,  and  at  last  charged  them  on 

•  their  flank,  and  drove  them  from  the  woods  on  their  entire  right, 
loosing  very  heavily. 

In  the  first  assault  made  by  Colonel   Loomis'  brigade,  that  oflicer 

•  was- BO  wounded  by  the  falling  of  a  limb  cut  from  a  tree,  that  he  had 
to  turn  over  the  command  to  the  next  senior  oflScer,  Colonel  Coltart. 
This  brigade  suflfered  very  severely  in  this  charge.  Colonel  Vaughan 'g 
brigade  also  suffered  very  severely  in  its  desperate  charge  against  the 
Bame  6tronn;hold.  Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  E.  Morgan  and  Major  Cole, 
both  of  the  .thirteenth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  were  mortally 
wounded  ;  sXao  a  very  large  number  of  officers  and  men. 

At  about  oi^ht  o'clock  Colonel  Manigault's  brigade  moved  out  and 
attacked  the  enemy  directly  in  his  front.  He  met  with  very  strong 
resistance,  and  after  Colonel  Loomis  was  compelled  to  fall  back,  and 
the  enemy's  i£re  turned  upon  his  left  flank,  enfilading  his  lines,  he 
was  compelled  tc  retire.  He,  however,  soon  rallied  his  command, 
made  another  gallant  attaok,  and  was  forced  to  fall  back  a  second  time. 
At  this  juncture  General  Maney's  brigade  came  up  and  took  position 
OE  the  left  of  Mani^ult's,  when  they  moved  forward  and  took  position 


309 

facing  towards  the  Wilkinson's  pike,  near  the  Harding  house,  when 
two  batteries  of  the  enemy's  opened  on  them — one  of  them  in  the 
woods  on  Manigault's  right,  and  on  the  west  side  of  the  Wilkinson 
pike,  the  other  on  the  east  side  of  the  pike.  At  this  place  I  came 
up  with  Colonel  \  aughan's  brigade.  Greueral  Maney  had  placed  Cap- 
tain Turner's  battery  of  Napoleon  guns  in  position  near  the  brick 
kiln,  which  in  a  short  time  silenced  the  battery  on  the  east  side  of 
the  road.  Colonel  Manigault  assailed  the  one  in  the  woods  with  two 
regiments,  but  did  not  succeed  in  capturing  it.  Having  made  my 
■dispositions,  I  ordered  Colonel  Vaughan  to  move  forward,  with  his 
brigade  and  take  position  on  General  -Claibourne's  right,  which  was 
in  the  woods  to  my  front  anJ  left.  General  Maney  and  Colonel  Man- 
igault I  accompanied  across  the  Wilkinson  pike,  just  in  front  of  the 
•enemy's  battery  last  mentioned,  which  the  enemy  had  abandoned  on 
•our  approach.  The  one  in  the  woods  to  our  right  was  also  abandoned, 
most  of  the  horses  having  been  so  disabled  that  the  guns  could  not 
be  removed.  After  crossing  the  Wilkinson  pike,  I  rode  forward  to 
the* cedar  brake,  towards  the  Nashville  pike,  where  I  found  General 
Stewart's  brigade  hotly  engaging  the  enemy.  He  captured  three  of 
his  guns,  drove  hira  through  the  woods  and  beyond  the  field,  to  the 
Nashville  pike.  During  this  encounter  Colonel  Bratton,  of  the  twen- 
ty-fourth Tennessee  volunteers,  a  most  gallant  officer,  was  killed. 

Colonel  Vaughan  advanced  (with  Claibourne's  division,)  fitting 
and  driving  the  enemy  until  ho  reached  the  Nashville  pike,  when  the 
enemy's  fire  became  so  heavy  he  was  forced  to  retire,  after  having 
again  driven  the  enemy  from  two  of  his  guns.  Late  in  the  evening  I 
placed  him  on  the  Wilkinson  pike,  in  the  rear  of  General  Claibourne's 
division,  with  instructions  to  remain  there  until  further  orders.  This 
brigade  acted  most  gallantly  during  the  entire  day,  having  had  two 
terrible  engagements,  losing  seven  hundred  and  five  men  out  of  eigh- 
teen hundred  and  thirteen.  At  about  ten  o'clock  General  Donelson's 
brigade  was  ordered  forward  to  the  support  of  General  Chalmers'  bri- 
gade,  which  had  been  partially  driven  back.  General  Donelson  press- 
ed forward  through  the  open  field  in  front  of  the  burnt  house,  under 
a  terrific  fire  of  twenty  pieces  of  artillery  and  a  heavy  infantry  force. 
Colonel  Savage's  regiment,  the  sixteenth  Tennessee,  passed  to  the 
right  of  the  house,  extending  to  the  river  on  the  right.  The  reraain- 
•der  of  the  fifty-first,  with  the  eighth  and  thirty-third  regiments,  pass- 
ed to  the  left  of  the  house,  advanced  under  a  heavy  fire  of  infantry 
towards  the  south  end  of  the  cedar  brake. 

During  this  advance.  Colonel  Moore,  of  the  eighth  Tennessee, 
had  his  horse  killed  under  him,  and  in  a  few  moments  afterwards  that 
gallant  officer  fell  dead,  having  been  shot  through  the  heart  by  a 
Minnie  ball.  The  eighth  regiment  Jennessee,  now  under  command 
of  its  gallant  Lieutenant  Colonel,  John  H.  Anderson,  dashed  forward 
into  the  cedar  brake,  drove  the  enemy  before  them,  charged  and  cap- 
tured a  battery,  and  in  connection  with  the  thirty-eighth  and  seven 
companies  of  the  fifty -first  Tennessee  regiment,  fought  and  drove  the 
enemy  out  of  the  south  end  of  the  brake,  through  the  open  field  to 
hifl  reserve  on  the  Nashville  pike,  capturing  from  six  to  seven  hun- 


$10 

<lrcd  prisoners.  Colonel  Savage,  of  the  sixteenth  Tonnessee,  aJvance(? 
bevon«l  the  burnt  house,  (Cowan,)  and  took  position  on  the  right  of 
the  railroad,  and  for  three  hours  held  the  columns  of  infantry  in  his 
front  in  chock,  and  when,  after  the  arrival  of  General  Adams'  bric;- 
ade,  he  withdrew  his  regiment,  he  left  thirty  dead  men  in  the  line  he 
•  occupied.  The  loss  of  this  regiment  was  two  hundred  and  seven  out 
of  four  hundred  and  two,  b^ing  over  one  half.  The  eighth  Tennes- 
see, under  liieutentnt  Colonel  Anderson,  lost  three  hundred  and  six 
men  and  officers  out  of  four  hundred  and  sevcnty-tv.o,  which  shows 
what  they  had  to  "contend  against.  The  other  regiments  of  this  brig- 
ade suffered  nearly  as  badly.  As  soon  as  I  discovered  that  our 
advance  line  had  been  checked,  I  immediately  commenced  forming  a 
double  fine  of  inf\mtry  in  the  cedar  brake,  in  order  to  resist  any  nu  ve- 
ment  the  enemy  might  make  against  us.  General  Stewiirt's  brigade 
being  in  the  advance,  was  first  aligned.  General  Money's  brigade 
was  formed  on  its  left  and  Colonel  Loomis'  on  its  right,  with  Gene- 
rals Donelsou's,  Preston's,  Adams',  and  Manigault's  brigades  in  the 
rear  line.  General  McCown  formed  his  division  on  the  left  of  Ge'nc- 
ral  JNIaney.  In  this  position  they  remained  until  n.ight,  a  great  por- 
tion of  the  time  under  a  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery. 

On  Friday  morning  the  brigades  cf  Generals  Preston  and  Adams 
were  withdrawn,  when  the  lines  were  reformed  and  straightened,  and 
Smith's  brigade  was  brought  forward  a'nd  placed  in  the  lines,  he 
having  arrived  and  taken  command  on  Thursday. 

On  Wednesday  there  was  but  little  done  by  my  artillery  on  account 
of  the  impossibility  of  advancing  it  through  the  cedar  and  pedrigal  on 
nly  left.  Captain  Turner's  battery  was  brought  into  action  on  that 
day  by  General  Maney  and  did  good  service. 

On  Friday  and  Saturday,  Captain  Stamf(  rd,  Captain  Scott,  Captain 
CarLcs,  and  Captain  Turner,  did  excellent  service  with  their  guns 
which  had  been  advanced  up  the  railroad  by  order  of  Lieutenant 
General  Polk.  Lieutenant  Harden,  of  Captain  Stamford's  battery, 
with  one  section,  was  sent  to  the  assistance  of  Colonel  Manigault 
on  Tuesday,  and  while  gallantly  working  his  rifle  pieces  was  killed  by 
a  round  shot.  On  Sunday  morning,  at  one  o'clock,  preparations 
having  been  previously  made,  my  command  brought  up  the  rear  as 
the  army  slowly  foil  back  towards  Shelbyville.  Although  my  divi- 
sion was  originally  placed  in  the  second  line  as  a  supporting  force, 
it. was  not  long  before  it  was  all  under  fire  and  hotly  crignged  with 
the  enemy,  and  I  am  proud  to  say  that  each  brigade  did  good 
service,  I  cannot  omit  this  opportunity  to  express  ray  thanks  for 
the  fortitude  with  which  they  bore  the  hardships,  and  their  gallant, 
soldier-like  bearing,  during  the  eight  trying  days  they  were  in  lino 
of  battle  and  most  of  the  time  ujidcr  fire. 

A  list  of  casualties  of  my  command  is  herewith  enclosed — the  loss 
being  two  hundred  and  seventy-seven  killed,  fifteen  -hundred  and 
ninety-seven  wounded,  and  sixly  five  missing  ;  total,  nineteen  hun- 
dred and  thirty-nine. 

My  staff  with  me  on  the  field — Major  John  Ingram,  A.  A.  G.  ; 
Major  JosephVaulx,  A.  and  I.  G.  ;  Major   George    II.  Young,  chief 


311 

'Q.  M.  ;  Major  B.  J.  Butler,  ciiief  of  subsistence  ;  Mi'jor  J.  A. 
Cheatham,  chief  of  ordnance  ;  Lieutenant  J.  G,  Mann,  engineor  o'ia- 
cer  ;  Lieutenant  A.  S.  Robertson,  aid-de-camp — all  managed  their 
separate*  departments  to  my  entire  satisfaction.  Captain  R.  L. 
Weakly,  who  was  badly  wounded,  and  Lieutenant  Marsh,  of  the 
artillery;  Lieutenant  Thomas  Henderson,  adjutant  sixth  Tennessee; 
Captain  R.  A.  Alston,  of  South  Carolina,  and  Captain  J,  Webb  Smith, 
volunteers  aid-de-camp,  all  behaved  gallantly  and  did  g' od  service 
in  transmitting  orders  over  the  extensive  £eld  of  op»^ration3  during 
the  day.  Major  F.  H.  McNairy,  my  aid- do-camp,  who  had  accom- 
panied me  on  all  previous  battle-fields,  was,  unfortunately,  absent, 
having  been  severely  wounded  by  the  accidental  discharge  of  a  pis- 
tol at  Knoxville. 

Very  respectfully, 

•  Your  obedient  servant, 

B.  F.  CHEATHAM, 
Major  General 'commanding  Cheat  hems  division. 

Polkas  corps,  A.  T. 
A  true  copy : 

Thomas  M.  Jack,  A.  A.   G. 


REPORT   OF    OFFICERS-  AND    MEN   actually    engaged  in  the 
Rattle  of  Murfreesboro'  in   Cheatliani's   Division. 

Doxelson's  Brigade. 


COMMAND. 


Sixtooiith  Tcnnesseo  regimf-nt, 

Eighth  Tennteieo  regimcni^ 

Thirty  oighih  Toniieseee  rei;itnent, 
Fifty  firnt  Tftinesiee  rpginutnt  .... 
Cariio*' battery,  

Grnnd  totJiJ, 


Officers.  • 

^en. 

•a 

3«3 

38 

40-6 

20 

2«2 

23 

270 

1              5 

6S 

no 

i,419         1 

Total. 


407 
474 
2^2 
293 
73 


Stewart's  Brigade. 


Fourth  and  fifth  Tcnocssei-  rrgiinents,'. i  41 

Twenty  fourth  Tenneegfe  ro;riment,.... : .' I  .  31 

Thirty  lirst  and  thirty  third  rrginieiil |  34 

Nin«;ci'nth  Tennessee  regiment, ■  32 

Stanford's  battery,.... |  4 

Qrand  tuUtl,... -. ]  142 

Maney'l  Brigade. 

Kir*t  and  Iwoiity-sevoiith  Tennessee  nginjenls, j  ^^3" 

Sixth  and  ninth  Tenn^  eseo  regiment, f  38 

Kourth  Confederate  Tennessee  regiment '   '.  34 

Mimey's  eharpwhooterB .'. 1 ,       "  '  ;j 

"Smith's  battery .\'.\ a 

Qrand  total.. .1'..  .*..#. '  .[     i       I  ioi~ 


417 

458 

2:3 

341 

345 

379 

348 

380 

70 

« 

74 

1,493 

i,ca5 

4  4 

4<»7 

in 

4)2 

3: 7 

371 

P8 

61 

78 

81 

1,281 


312 

REPORT  OF  OFFICERS  AND  ili AW— Continued. 
Smith's  Brigade. 


COMMAND 

Officers. 

Uen. 

TotAl. 

0  le  ))i!irlrcd  and  llftyfourth  pernor  Tuniieseee 

regiment 

25 
24 
•-•5 
16- 
30 
]6 
3 
4 

253 
2  9 
297 
2:16 
224 
247 
47 
77 

278 
323 

3  3 

252 

:.54 

253 

&n 

81 

143 

1,G80 

1,812 

Grind  total  of  number  of  offisere  aud  men  en 

0,3.'.8 

Less  (30)  nirii  from  ciich  rcpiiTKnt-i*  infirmary 

detail 

i 

510 

1      .• 

.,.!..         1 

6.848 

,  Total  loss,  nineteen    hundred    and    thirty-nine.     Loss,  thirty-five 
jr,r  cent. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

B.  F.  CHEATHAM, 
Major  Genual  commnnding  division. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  CLEBURNE. 

Headquarters  Cleburne's  Division,  ^ 

Hardee's  Cprps,  Army  of  Tennessee^  > 

Tullahoma,  January  31,  18G3.      ) 

To  Major  T.  B.  Roy, 

Chief  of  Staffs  Hardee's  Corps  : 

On  the  26th,  December,  1862,  three  brigades  of  my  division  were 
stationed  at  College  Grove,  near»Eaglcsville,  about  twenty  miles  west 
of  AJurfrcesboro  ;  the  fourth  brigade,  under  command  of  Brigadier 
General  T.  A.  M.  Wood,  was  stationed  at  Triune,  four  miles  north 
'of  College  Grove,  on  the  Nashville  and  Shelbyville  turnpike.  On 
the  evening  of  the  same  day,  I  had  information  that  the  enemy  had 
driven  back  the  cavalry  and  occupied  Nolensville,  in  my  front. 
During  the  night,  I  received  orders  from  General  Ilardcc,  who  had 
gone  in  person  to  the  front,  to  have  everything  in  readiness  for- a 
movement,  and  to  be  prepared  for  any  emergency.  I  also  received 
instructions  as  to  the  roads  to  be  taken  by  my  train  and  fighting  force 
respectively,  in  case  of  a  retreat  on  Murfreesboro'.  Early  on  the 
morning  of  the  27th  I  received  orders,  from  the  same  source,  to  take 
up  a  position  on  the  turnpike,  about  a  mile  ncrth  of  my  encampment. 
While  making  this  disposition,  I  received  orders  from  General  Hardee 
to  move  the  three  brigades  with  me  to  Murfreesboro'  by  the  routes 
•previously  decided  upon ;  also,  that  Wood's  brigade  would  remain  at 
Triune  and  assist  General  Wharton's  cavalry  to  retard  the  further 
advance  of  the  enemy.  For  the  proceedings  of  Wood's  brigade, 
under  this  order,  I  respectfully  refer  you  to  the  report  of  Brigadier 
General  T.  A.  M.  Wood,  herewith  tranprnittcd.  I  immediately  moved 
as  directed,  marched  all  day,  part  of  it  over  a  miserable  road,  and 
through  a  cold,  drenching  rain,  and  encamped,  after  nightfall,  on  the 
fealem  turnpike,  within  a  mile*of  Stone  river.  On  the  morning  of 
the  28th,  General  Hardee  ordered  me  to  form  line  of  battle  north  of 
Murfreesboro'  and  cast  of  Stone  river,  ray  line  to  face  north,  its  left 
resting  on  the  river,  its  right  near  the  Lebanon  turnpike,  eight  hun- 
dred or  one  thousand  yards  in  rear  of  a  line  already  occupied  by 
Breckinridge's  division.  Wood's  brigade,  falling  back  slowly  before 
General  McCook's  army  corps,  impeding  his  advance  wherever  oppor- 
tunity offered,  finally  reached  Stone  river  and  rejoined  the  division 
on  the  morning  of  the  29th.  I  lay  inactive,  in  line  of  battle,  until 
the  evening  of  the  3()th,  when  I  received  orders  to  move  from  the 
right  to  the  left  of  the  army.  Arriving  at  the  fording  place  on  Stone 
river,  I  received  orders  to  remain  there  until  Genejal  H:irdee  had 
examined  the  ground  and  determined  my  position:  It  was  dark  when 
staff  officers  were  sent  to  order  me  forward  and  show  mo  my  position. 
The  passage  of  the  river  in  the  night  was  attended  with  many  diffi- 
culties, and  my  whole  division  was  not  in  position  before  midnight. 
As  well  as  I  could  judge  from  the  camp  fires,  my  line  was  a  prolon- 


314 

gation  to  the  left  of  Cheatham's  line,  and  was  four  or  five  hundred 
yards  in  rear  of  McCown's  division.  Soon  aftor  midnight  I  received 
an  order  from  General  Hardee,  on  which  I  hii?ed  and  issued  the  fol- 
lowing circular,  viz::  "  Generals  of  brigade  will  have  their* respective 
commands  in  readiness  to  move  upon  the  cneiny  at  half-past  four 
o'clock  this  morning.  The  several  commands  will  fall  into  line  with- 
out signal  of  bugle  or  drum."  Before  daylight  I  formed  line,  placing 
Polk's  brigade,  with  Calvert's  battery,  on  the  right;  Johnson's  brig- 
ade, with  ir^arden's  battery,  in  the  centre,  and  Liddell's  brigade,  with 
the  Warren  light  artillery,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Shannon,  on 
the  left.  Wcod's  brigade  I  placed  a  short  distance  in  rear  of  Polk's. 
This  brigade  had  no  battery  in  the  fi^ht,  its  battery  (Semple's)  of  six 
Napoleon  guns  having  been  detached  the  day  before  to  support  Uan- 
eon's  brigade  of  Breckinridge's  division,  and  having  remained  with 
that  brigade  on  the  right  of  the  army.  On  account  of  the  absence' 
on  duty  of  my  chief  of  artillery,  I  ordered  my  chief  of  ordnance, 
Captiin  llotchkiss,  to  act  as  "chief  of  artillery,  and  Robert  Smith, 
ordnance  (jflicer  of  Polk's  brigade,  to  act  as  division  ordnance  olhcer. 
It  was  not  yet  clear  day  when  I  received  orders  from  General  Hardee 
to  advance,  swinging  to  the  right  as  I  moved  forward.  I  rapidly  com- 
municated these  instructions  to  brigade  commanders,  caused  my 
division  to  load,  and  moved  forward,  stepping  short  upon  the  right 
and  full  upon  the  left,  so  as  to  swing  roun<l  my  left  a^  directed. 
Gencial  Cheatham's  left  did  not  move  forward  at  the  same  moment  as 
my  right,  and,  my  division  inclihing  to  the  left  as  it  advanced,  a  gap 
was  soon  left  between  us,  which  General  Hardee  directed  General 
"Wood's  brigade  to  fill.  My  whole  division  (Semple's  battery  excepted) 
was  now  advancing  in  line  of  battle,  gradually  wheeling  to  the  right 
as  it  advanced.  My  left  had  not  moved  half  a  mile  when  heavy  firing 
comnicnced  near  its  front,  supposed  to  be  McCown's  division  engaging 
the  enemy  ;  a  few  moments  more  and  the  enemy's  tjkirmishers  opened 
fire  along  the  right  and  left  centre  of  my  division,  indicating  that, 
instead  of  being  a  second  line  supporting  McCown's  division,  I  was, 
in  reality,  the  foremost  line  on  th'is  part  of  the  field,  and  that 
McCown's  line  had  unaccountably  disappeared  from  my  front, 
Skiiin  shers  ^vere  immediately  thrown  forward,  and  I  pressed  on,  con- 
tinuing the  dilficult  wheel  under  fire,  through  a  country  cut  up  with 
numerous  fences  and  thickets.  There  was  a  great  deal  of.  crowding 
and  improper  opening  out  in  the  centre  of  my  line.  Pulk's  and  John- 
son s  brigad'.s  had*  to  be  moved  by  the  flank  more  than  once  to  regain 
their  true  positions.  Driving  back  the  enemy's  skirmishers  in  the 
face  of  a.  heavy  fire  of  shot  and  shell,  I  encountered-  his  first  solid 
line  of  battle  at  an  average  distance  of  three-tuurths  of  a  mile  from  . 
the  scene  of  my  bivouac  of  last  night.  The  left  of  this  line,  opposite 
Wood's  and  Polk's  brig'ades,  stretched  through  a  large  cedar  brake; 
the  right,  opposite  Liddcdl  and  Johnson,  through  open  ground.  In 
many  parts  of  the  brake,  the  enemy  found  natural  breastworks  of 
limestone  rock  ;  in  the  open  ground  .he  covered  most  of  his  line 
behind  a  string  of  fence.  Opposite  my  left,  where  the  ground  waa 
open,  a  second  line  of  the  enemy,  supported  by  artillery,  could  be 


315 

seen  a  short  distance  in  rear  of  his  first.  Here  ^vas  rr:y  first  import- 
ant fight  of  the  day.  It  extended  along  my  vrhole  line,  and  was 
participated  in  by  McNair's  brigade,  of  McCown's  division,  which 
had  been  placed  on  my  left,  and  which,* a  few  moments  before,  had 
surprised  and  driven  the  enemy  from  the  ground  ovc-r  which  my  left 
had  passed.  The  fight  was  short  and  bloody,  lasting  about  twenty- 
five  minutes,  when  the  enemy  gave  way,  both  in  the  cedars  and  open 
ground,  and  fled  back  on  his  second  line,  which  was  immediately  en- 
countered in  the  woods,  pastures,  and  open  grouml  in  rear  of  his 
former  position.  His  second  lino  soon  gave  way,  and  both  went  6ff 
together.  My  first  fight  may  be  said  to  have  ended  here  ;  its  results 
were  important.  The  eighth  Arkansas,  of  Liddell's  brigade,  captured 
two  stand  of  colors  ;  they  were  handed  to  Colonel  Kelly  in  the  field 
by  private  J  A.  Riddle,  of  company  C,  and  Corporal  A.  A.  Ilorne, 
of  company  E. 

In  the  rapid  pursuit  which  followed.  Colonel  Kelly  could  not  carry 
tnem  ;  they  were  left  on  the  field,  and  I  fear  appropriated  by  some 
persons  who  had  no  title  to  them.  The  second  Arkansas,  of  Liddell's 
brigade,  again  encountered  and  defeated  the  twenty-second  Indiana, 
(the  same  regiment  it  had  so  severely  handled  at  the  battle  of  Perry- 
ville)  wounding  and  capturing  its  lieutenant  colonel.  This  brigade 
also  captured  two  rifled  cannon,  with  suitable  ammunition;  these 
Lieutenant  Khannon  added  to  his  battery,  and  used  on  the  enemy  at 
subsequent  periods  of  the  battle.  In  Johnson's  brigade,  the  seven- 
teenth Tennessee,  charged  and  captured  a  battery  of  four  guns.  In 
Wood's  brigade,  tlie  sixteenth  Alabama  wounded  and  captured  the 
colonel,  and  killed  the  lieutenant  colonel  and  major  of  the  one  hun- 
dred and  first  Ohio. 

My  losses  were  very  severe,  especially  on  my  left  wing,  whore  John- 
son's and  Liddell's  brigades  sulTered  more  than  in  all  the -subsequent 
fighting  of  the  day.  In  Johnson's  brigade,  Colonel  Marks,  of  tho 
seventeenth  Tennessee,  one  of  the  best  officers  in  the  division,  was 
severely  .wounded.  Major  Ewing,  forty-fourth  Tennessee,  was  mor- 
tally wounded  ;  Colonel  White  and  "Lieutenant  Colonel  Eraser,  thir- 
ty-seventh Tennessee,  were  wounded  ;  Colonel  Hughes,  twenty-fifth 
Tennessee,  was  wouniled  In  Polk's  brigade,  Majors  Carlton  and 
Dunken,  fifteenth  and  thirteenth  Arkansas,  were  wounded.  I-n  Wood's 
brigade,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Helberston  and  Major  McGhahey,  six- 
teenth Alabama,  were  wounded.  In  all,  nine  field  ofiicers,  and  a 
proportionate  number  of  company  cflScers,  non-commissioned  ofiicers, 
and  privates,  were  killed  or  wounded  ifl  this  fight. 

My  division  was  now  engaged  in  a  rapid  but  not  very  orderly  pur- 
suit of  the  enemy,  which  was  continued  until  a  fresh  line  of  his  in- 
fantry and  artillery  came  in  view.  This  line  -was  drawn  up  on  the 
Bouth  side  of  a  parallel  to  the  Wilkinson  turnpike ;  its  right  resting 
in  open  woods,  its  left  in  open  fields.  It  checked  or  pushed  back 
portions  of  my  command,  which  in  the  ardor  of  pursuit  had  advanced 
beyond  the  general  line.  My  whole  division  (the  right  of  Johnson's, 
brigade  which  had  delayed,  to  replenish  its  ammunition,  excepted  ) 
attain  engaged  the  enemy.     Advancing  steadily  in  the  face  of  a  heavy 


316 

fire  of  infantry  and  artillery,  Liddell's  brigade  and  the  seventeenth 
Tennessee,  of  Johnson's  brigade,  drove  back  the  enemy's  right. 
Wood's  and  Polk's  brigades  encountered  a  more  obstinate  and  pro- 
tracted resistance  in  the  open  fields  where  they  fought,  but  hero  too 
success  again  rewarded  the  bravery  of  my  men.  The  enemy  were 
driven  across  the  Wilkinson  pike,  and  took  refuge  in  the  woods  and 
heavy  cedar  biake  on  the  north  side.  In  this  fight  I  captured  two 
hospitals,  near  a  thousand  prisoners,  a  train  of  ammunition  wagons, 
one  piece  of  artillery,  three  or  four  caissons,  and  two  wagons  loaded 
with  medical  stores.  The  Federal  General  Sill  was  killed  near  one 
of  the  hospitals.  The  seventeenth  Tennessee,  of  Johnson's  brigade, 
and  the  second  Arkansas,  of  Liddell's  brigade,  contend  for  the  honor 
of  having  first  captured  the  hospitals  and  killed  General  Sill. 

My  line  was  now  far  advanced  beyond  that  of  Wither's  and  Cheat- 
ham's. I  began  to  discover  from  the  firing,  that  I  was  getting  in  rear 
of  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy's  centre.  My  right  wing  and  left 
centre  were  exposed  to  a  heavy  enfilading  fire  as  they  crossed  tno 
open  ground  near  the  turnpike,  from  a  powerful  battery,  phmtod  ne;ir 
the  north  side  of  the  pike.  Captain  Ilotchkiss,  acting  chief  of  artil- 
lery, placed  Darden's  and  Calvert's  batteries  in  position,  and  boldly 
attacked  the  I'arrott  and  rifled  artillery  of  the  enemy.  Wood's  brig-_ 
ado,  having  moved  back  to  get  a  fresh  supply  of  ammnr.ition.  Briga- 
dier Gen.  Polk  mo-ved  forward,  but  was  forced  bj  the  enfilading  fire,  to 
change  front  forward  on  his  first  battalion,  so  as  to  place  his  line*  at 
right  angles  to  the  pike,  and  facing  eastwardly.  This  done,  he  ad- 
vanced, and  attacked  the  supports  of  the  battery,  while  Ilotchkiss, 
though  greatly  overmatched  in  numbers  and  calibre  of  guns,  contin- 
ued to^  fire  on  them.  The  enemy  abandoned  the  position,  leaving 
several  pieces  of  artillery.  The  fifth  Confederate  and  first  Arkansas 
passed  through  and  beyond  these  guns,  and  fiiirly  deserve  the  honor 
of  having  captured  them.  Colonel  Hawkins,  of  the  fifteenth  Ken- 
tucky, commanding  a  Federal  brigade,  was  killed  by  the  first  Arkan- 
sas, during  this  fight. 

Relieved  of  the  enfilading  fire.  Brigadier  General  Polk  again 
changed  front,  and  resumed  his  original  line  of  advance.  In  the  mean- 
time Wood's  brigade  had  come  up,  and  been  ordered  by  me  to  the  left 
of  Polk's  brigade.  Johnson's  brigade  had  also  come  up,  and  like 
Polk's,  had  been  forced  by  the  enfilading  fire  to  change  front.  I  had 
ordered  Brigadier  General  Johnson  to  throw  forward  a  strong  com- 
pany of  sharpshooters,  and  advance  on  the  battery  to  Polk's  assist- 
ance, but  just  at  this  time  the  firing  ceased,  and  I  discovered  the 
enemy  had  been  driven  back  as  before  stated.  I  then  changed  the 
direction  of  Johnson's  advance,  to  correspond  with  Polk's,  and  moved 
his  brigade  on  the  right  of  Polk's,  whose  guns  were  again  heard  in 
conflict  with  the  enemy. 

On  examination,  I  found  the  enemy  had  made  another' stand,  in  a 
heavy  cedar  brake,  north  of  the  Wilkinson  pike,  and  in  front  of  where 
my  right  crossed  it.     lie  had  again  found  natural  breastworks  of  lime- 
stone rock,  and  covered  most  of  his  line  behind  them.     He  made  an 
.•obstinate  and  determined  resistance,  during  which  Polk's  brigade  suf- 


Sit 

fered  a  seterse  repulse  ;  but  he  was  finally  dislodged,  and  driven  from 
the  cedars.' 

Towards  the  close  of  this  fight,  Smith's  brigade,  of  Cheatham's 
divii^ion,  under  command  of  Colonel  Vau*han,  came  up  on  my  left, 
and  rendered  us  material  assistance.  In  this  fight,  Sergeant  Lovin, 
of  the  third  Confederate  regiment,  of  Wood's  brigade,  captured  a 
stand  of  colors,  which  I  herewith  transmit.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Don; 
McGregor,  of  the  first  Arkansas,  fell,  mortally  wounded,  and  Major 
McRenolds,  the  last  field  ofiicer  of  the  thirty-seventh  Tennessee,  was 
mortally  wounded.  The  commanding  officers  of  Brigadier  General 
Wood's  legiments  again  reported  their  amramnition  expended.  IIo 
moved  the  brigade  in  rear  of  the  Wilkinson  pike,  to  procure  a  supply. 
While  there,  information  reached  General  Hardee  that  the  enemy  was 
threatening  our  left  flank,  and  he  ordered  Wood's  brigade  to  re- 
main in  rear,  and  protect  the  trains.  This  was  the  smallest  brigade 
1  had,  numbering,  on  the  morning  of  the  fight,  not  over  eleven  hun- 
dred oflicers  and  men.  It  waswithout  a  battery,  (as  before  explained,) 
was  on  the  extreme  right  of  my  lino  (the  most  exposed  position). up 
to  the  time  of  crossing  the  pike,  and  at  this  time  did  not  number  five 
hundred.  The  enemy  was  now  driven  out  of  the  cedars  in  our  front, 
but  to  the  right  of  my  division  he  still  remained  undisturbed,  and  as 
I  again  attempted  to  advance,  I  found  myself  flanked  on  the  right, 
and  again  exposed  to  an  enfilading  fire.  I  therefore  determined  to 
advance  on -a  line  further  to  the  left,  and  where  my  right  flank  would 
not  be  so  fearfully  exposed.  With  this  view  I  ordered  General  John- 
eon  to  move  his  brigade  to  the  left,  where  LiddelTs  brigade  would 
again  connect  with  him.  But  here  it  would  be  proper  to  give  a  state- 
ment of  the  doings  of  Liddell's  brigade  since  last  mentioned,  as  having 
driven  back  a.  line  of  the  enemy  on  the  south  side  of  the  Wilkinson 
pike.  AVhile  my  other  brigades  inclined,  as  stated,  Brigadier  General 
Liddell  moved  diagonally  to  the  left  for  a  considerable  distance, 
through  open  woods.  He  met  the  enemy  on  the  far  edge  of  the  woods, 
drove  him  over  the  crest  of  the  high  ground  beyond.  Throwing  forward 
skirmishers,  it  was  found  he  had  made  another  Etand  in  the  valley  of 
Overall's  creek,  four  or  five  hundred  yards  beyond  the  crest.  Liddell 
moved  his  battery  to  the  crest,  and  drove  him  back,  until  he  disap. 
peared  from  view,  behind  the  embankment  of  the  Nashville  railroad. 
From  the  high  point  where  his  battery  now  was,  Liddell  was  in  full 
view  of  the  Nashville  turnpike  and  the  enemy's  trains.  He  opened 
with  his  battery  on  one  portion  of  the  train,  while  General  Wharton, 
with  the  cavalry,  charged  another.  The  trains  disappeared  in  haste 
and  confusion.  At  this  time  Liddell's  brigade  was  the  extreme  left 
of  the  infantry  of  the  array,  and  there  was  a  gap  of  three-quarters  of 
a  mile  between  his  right  and  the  left  of  the  other  portions  of  the 
division.  I  determined  to  unite  the  division  opposite  this  gap,  and 
advance.  I  ordered  Johnson  to  move  on  the  left  of  Polk's  brigade, 
and,  at  the  same  time,  sent  orders  to  Brigadier  General  Liddell  to 
move  his  brigade  by  the  right  flank  until  he  had  reconnected  with 
Johnson's  brigade.  While  these  commands  were  being  executed,  I 
met  a  brigade  of  McCown's  division  retreating  in  great  disorder.     1 


318 

think  thi9  biigadc  must  have  attempted  to  advance  through  the  gap  in 
my  division,  and  been  repulsed.  B3'  moving  inwards,  and  uniting  in' 
the  gap  mentioned,  my  division  again  advanced  on  a  line  midway  be- 
tween the  diverging  lines*  which  the  two  portioiis  had  before  pur- 
sued. 1-  advanced  with  four  brigades,  disposed  as  follows  :  Polk's 
brigade  on  the  right,  LiddelTs  on  the  left,  Smith's  brigade,  Cheatham's 
division,  the  right  centre,  Johnson's  the  left  centre.  I  had  not  moved 
a  hundred  yards,  when  Liddell's  brigade  became  hotly  engaged  with  a 
line  of  tl>e  enemy,  drawn  up  across  a  neck  of  woods,  and  prolonged 
into  the  fields  on  each  side.  This,  I  think,  was  a  continuation  to  the 
left  of  the  same  line  which  my  other  brigades  had' defeated  furtlier  to 
the  right,  or  it  may  have  been  the  line  which  had  caused  the  repulse 
of  McCown's  division,  (  just  mentioned.)  and  which  was  pursuing. 
However  this  be,  Liddell  met  the  enemy  here  in  force,  and  engaged 
in  the  most  obstinately  contested,  and,  for  the  enemy,  most  destruc- 
tivQ  figlit  which  had  yet  occurred.  Not  until  Liddell  had  closed 
within  twenty- five  paces  of  him,  would  the  portion  of  his  line  in  the 
woods  give  way.  Colonel  Kelly,  of  the  ei;rhth  Arkansas,  and  Co- 
lonel Smith,  of  the  sixth  and  seventh  Arkansas,  were  woundeii  here. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Murray,  of  the  fifth  Arkansas,  bore  the  colors  of 
his  regiment  through  the  hottest  of  tho  fight,  and  by  his  own  bright 
exairi[iie  encouraged,  his  men  to  despise  danger.  J.  K.  Leslie,  a 
brave  and  iut(  lligcut  private  of  company  C,  of  this  regiment,  captured 
a  beautiful  stand  of  colors,  belonging  to  one  of  the  enemy's  regiments 
of  regulars.     This  flag  I  also  herewith  transmit. 

The  enemy  gave  way  and  fied,  leaving  a  largo  number  of  dead  be- 
hind him.  Johnson's,  Smith's  and  Polk's  brigades  moved  rapidly  in 
puri^uit,  obliqueing  to  the  left  as  they  advanced.  Liddell  rapidly  re- 
foniied  his  line  and  followed  en  ecludon,  about  a  hundred  yards  in 
rear  of  Johnson.  My  orders,  frequc/itly  received  from  General  liar- 
dee  during  the  day,  being  to  push  the  enemy,  and  if  possible  give  him 
no  time  to  rally  or  select  positions,  1  did  not  halt  the  division,  or  lose 
any  time  in  rectif;yiiig  distances  or  alignments. 

The  line  had  not  advanced  a  quarter  of  a  mile  when  a  fresh  line  of 
the  enemy  was  discovered  in  open  field  ;  he  was  supported  by  nume- 
rous and  well  soived  batteries.  At  this  time  I  had  but  one  b;>ttery, 
LiddelTs  ;  Polk's  could  not  follow  through  the  jeavy  woods,  and  John- 
son's had  been  ordered  by  General  Ilardee  to  remain  in  rescr.ve  near 
the'Wilkinson  pike  My  line  advanced  steadily,  pouring  in  a  deadly |, 
fire,  and  drove  the  enemy  across  a  fmall  dirt  road.  That  portion  of 
his  line  opposite  Johnson  rallied  behind  a  fence  on  the  far  side  of  the 
dirt  road,  but  was  driven  from  there  also,  when  his  whole  line  disap- 
peared in  the  cedar  woods,  which  here  bordered  the  Nashville  pike, 
and  were  close  behind  him.  Still  another  line  of  tho  enemy  showed 
itself  in  the  edge  of  the  cedars.  A  heavy  fire  of  small  arms  was  im- 
mediately directed  upon  him  ;  he  fled  back  in  tho  woods,  leaving  the 
ground  in  front  of  Johnson's  brigade  thickly  covered  with  dead  and 
wounded.  Following  up  their  success,  our  men  gained  the  edge  of 
the  cedars  (Johnson's  brigade  capturing  a  battery  of  Parrott  guns.  ) 
and  were  almost  on  the  Nashville  turnpike,  in  rear  of  the  original 


M 

centre  of  Ro3encran<<'  army,  sweeping,  with  their  fire,  his  only  line  of 
communication  with  Nashville ;  but  it  was  now  after  three  o'clock; 
my  men  had  had  little  or  no  rest  the  night  before,  they  had  been  fight- 
ing since  dawn  without  relief,  food  or  water;  they  were  comparatively 
without  the  support  of  artillery,  for  the  advance  had  been  too  rapid 
to  enable  my  single  battery  to  get  into  position,  and  answer  the  cne- ' 
my  ;  their  ammunition  was  again  nearly  exhausted,  and^our  ordnance 
train  could  not  follow. 

At  this  critical  moment,  the  enemy  met  my  thinned  ranks  with  an- 
'  othe^reah  line  of  battle,  supported  by  a  heavier  and  closer  artillery 
fire  tnan  I  had  yet  encountered.  A  report  also  spread,  which  I  be- 
lieve was  truej  that  we  were  flanked  on  the  right.  This  vras  raoro 
than  our  men  could  stand.  Smith's  brigade  was  driven  back  in  great 
confusion  ;  Polk's  and  Johnson's  followed.  As  our  broken  ranks 
went  back  over  the  fields,  before  the  fire  of  their  fresh  line,  the  enemy 
opened  fire  on  our  right  flank  from  several  batteries  which  they  had 
concentrated  on  an  eminence  near  the  railroad,  inflicting  a  heavier 
loss  on  Polk's  brigade  than  it  had  suffered  in  all  the  previous  fighting 
of  the  day. 

The  division  was  rallied"  on  the  edge  of  the  opposite  woods,  about 
four  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  the  scene  of  disaster,  though  some  of 
the  men  cculd  not  be  ftopped  until  they  reached  tlie  Wilkinson  pike. 
Liddell's  brigade  in  echelon  on  my  extreme  left,  was  not  ejigagcd  in 
this  last  fight,  and  was  moved  back  in  goml  order  to  the  line,  where 
the  other  brigades  rallied.  Here  I  reformed  ray  division  as  rapidly 
as  possible— Polk's  brigade  on  th ^  right.  Johnson's  in  the  centre,  and 
Liddell's  on  the  left.  A  fresh  supply  of  ammunition  was  served  out, 
and  I  awaited  in  momentary  expectation  for  an  advance  of  the  enemy 
in  overwhelming  force.  He  never  advanced  a  foot,  and  the  question 
presented  itself,  "ought  I  to  again  advance  ?"  I  was  now  in  posses- 
sion of  three  miles  of  ground,  conquered  from  the  enemy,  largenum- 
bcrs  of  prisioners,  cannon  and  small  arms  ;  another  repulse  and  I 
might  lose  all  these,  and  cause  the  demoralization  and  destruction  of 
my  division.  I  immeiliately  reported  the  situation  to  General  Hardee, 
and  was  ordered  by  him  to  hold  the  ground  I  had  won,  rest  and  reor- 
ganize my  division,  and  await  further  orders.  Push'ig  my  pickets 
■well  forward,  I  bivouacked  in  line  of  battle  on  the  same  line  which 
the  division  rallied  after  the  repulse. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1st  January,  1863,  there  were  rumors  that 
the  enemy  was  retreating.  I  was  ordered  by  General  Hardee  to  push 
forward,  feel  the  enemy,  and  ascertain  the  true  state  of  affairs  in  our 
front.  Liddell's  brigade  was  moved  forward  to  the  left,  and  drove 
the  enemy's  skirmishers  back  at  least  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  beyond 
a  white  house  used  as  a  Federal  hospital,  and-  situated  on  the  small 
dirt  road  near  which  our  last  fight  of  the  day  before  occurred. 
During  this  fight  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cameron,  sixth  and  seventh 
Arkansas  regiments,  was  wounded.  Liddell  again  swept  the  Nash- 
ville turnpike  with  his  artillery,  and  greatly  disturbed  the  enemy's 
trains,  which  could  be  seen  on  and  near  it.  ^Receiving  another  mes- 
sage from  General  Hardee  to  the  effect  that  he  had  ordered  me  to  feel 


.      y  320 

the  enemy  and  could  not  hear  my  guns,  and  at  the  samo  time  receiv- 
ing infcrmation  from  General  Liddell  that  he  was  in  lino  of  battle, 
near  the  hospital  just  mentioned,  and  needed  immediate  8uppo:t  on 
his  right,  I  ordered  G-eneral  Wood  to  move  his  brigade  forward  cau- 
tiously and  support  I-iddell  on  the  right,  but  I  also  informed  him  that 
the  object  was  merely  to  ascertain  whether  the  eneuiy  was  still  in 
force  in  our  fr^nt,  not  to  bring  on  a  general  battle.  Wood's  brigade 
moved  forward,  and  I  moved  Johnson's  skirmishers  forward  {rn 
achdon)  on  Wood's  right  flank,  so  as  to  protect  him  as  much  as  possi- 
ble. Wood's  brigade  formed  line  close  to  the  dirt  road  last  mentijkned, 
and  immediately  became  hotly  engaged  with  a  very  large  force  of  the 
enemy,  which  advanced  on  him  out  of  the  cedars,  where  our  repulse 
of  the  day  before  occurred.  He  found  that  Liddell  was  not  on  his 
left,  as  expected,  having  previously  fallen  back.  lie  also  discovered 
that  the  enemy  were  flanking  him  on  the  left  with  another  heavy 
force.  At  this  time  he  received  an  order,  direct  from  General  Hardee, 
not  to  bring  on  a  general  battle.  He  ceased  firing  and  fell  back, 
leaving  several  killed  and  wounded  on  the  ground.  Some  of  the  men 
of  the  forty-fifth  Mississipf)!  regiment  had  gone  so  far  ahead  that 
retreat  was  impossible;  they  remained  where  they  were,  and  fell  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Wood  must  have  lost  near  one  hundred  in 
killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners  in  this  fight.  It  was  now  clear  the 
enemy  wa^  still  in  force  in  ray  front,  and  I  so  reported  it  On  Friday 
morning,  the  2nd  of  January,  I  was  satisfied  thi.t  the  enemy  was 
fortifying  his  position.  On  consultation  with  my  brigade  command- 
ers 1  addressed  a  note  to  General  Hardee,  which  I  requested  him  to 
forward  to  General  Bragg,  stating  this  important  fact,  and  that  I 
feared,  if  my  single  and  now  reduced  line  was  pushed  on  the  enemy 
in  his  fortified  position,  the  result  would  prove  very  disastrous,  but 
that  I  believed  I  could  iioid  a  defensible  position  against  any  assault 
of  the  enemy.  Scrapie's  battery  rejoined  me  on  the  let.  On  the 
2nd,  Friday  evening,  I  was  ordered  to  send  four  of  his  guns  to  sup- 
port an  attack  about  to  be  made  by  Major  General  Breckinridge's 
division.  My  acting  chief  of  artillery,  Captain  Hotchkiss,  having 
been  twice  wounded  while  gallantly  discharging  his  duty,  I  ordered 
him  to  quit  the.field,  which  he  reluctantly  did,  and  directed  Captain 
Scrapie  to  act  as  chief  of  artillery.  Captain  Scrapie  sent  four  of 
his  twelve  pounders,  under  Lieutenant  Fitzpatrick,  to  General  Breck- 
inridge's division.  In  the  desperate  conflict  which  took  place  on  the 
right  that  evening  this  battery  bore  a  conspicuous  part.  Out  of  forty- 
five  men  and  officers  twenty  were  killed  and  woundei,  among  them 
Lieutenant  Joseph  Pollard,  who  is  represented  as  having  fought  most 
bravely,  and  only  yielded  when  his  leg  and  arm  were  both  broken. 
Fourteen  horses  were  krlled  and  wounded,  and  one  piece  of  artillery 
was  lost.  For  ^letails  of  the  noble  conduct  of  this  battery  in  the 
fight  I  refer  you  to  the  report  of  Captain  Scrapie,  herewith  sent. 
About  eleven  o'clock,  P.  M.,  that  night,  the  enemy  made  a  reconnois- 
sance  in  force,  in  front  of  ray  division.  He  was  driven  back  by  my 
ekirmishers.  Immediat^ly  afterwards  I  rectived  orders  to  -withdraw 
my  pickets  and  resume  the  position  held  by  me  on  the  morning  of  the 


321 

SOtli  December,  on  the  right  of  the  array  in  rear  of  Breckinridge's 
division.  Here  I  remained,  enduring  the  incessant  cold  rain  of  tha.t 
night  and  next  day  until  olevon  o'clock,  V.  M.,  of  the  3rd,  when  i 
commenced  retreating  on  Munchester.  After  the  battle  of  Wednes- 
day I  collected  a  laige  number  of  guns  and  sent  them  to  General 
Bragg's  chief  of  ordnance.  I  also  got  several  artillery  horses,  with 
which  I  replaced  most  of  the  disabled  horses  in  my  batteries  ;  also,  a 
quantity  of  artillery  ammunition,  harness,  and  other  articles  ne^ea- 
Bary  in  batteries.  To  the  courage  and  patriotism  of  the  officers  and 
men,  the  good  discipline  which  existed  among  them,  and  the  unex- 
pected suddenness  of  the  attack,  are  alone  duo  the  success  which 
attended  my  advance  upon  the  enemy's  rigl.t.  With  the  exception  of 
the  wheel  of  my  division  directed  by  General  liardee  on  the  morning 
of  the  great  battle,  there  was  no  strategic  movement  attempted.  Ij 
was  one  determined  charge  ;  sometimes  checked  and  even  repulsed  by 
the  enemy  ;  sometimes  delayed  to  prccurc  a  fresh  supply  of  ammuni- 
tion, but  ever  renewed  and  successful,  until  McUook's  Federal  corps 
of  eighteen  thousand  men,  composing  the  right  wing  of  Rosencranz'a 
army,  had  been  swept  away,  and  two  or  three  lines  of  his  successora 
had  shared  the  same  fate.  To  Brigadier  Generals  Johnson;  Wood 
and  Polk,  and  Colonel  Yaughan,  commanding  Smith's  brigade,  of 
Cheatham's  division,  the  country  is  indebted  for  their  great  exertiona 
on  this  occasion.  Brigadier  General  Liddell  h-d  his  brigade  with 
a  skill,  courage  and  devotion  which,  I  believe,  saved  ray  left  flank, 
from  being  turned  by  the  enemy.  I  found  the  following  officers  of 
my  staff  very  efficient  in  this  battle.  They  were  at  their  posts  all 
the  time,  and  discharged  their  difficult  duties  with  a  courage,  prompt- 
ness and  intelligence  not  often  equaled — viz:  W.  W.  Kirkland,  chief 
of  staff;  Major  Calhoun  Benham,  assistant  inspector  general;  Cap- 
tain Irving  A.  Buck,  assistant  adjutant  general ;  Lieutenants  J.  U. 
Jelton  and  J.  R..  Dixon,  (the  latter  was  wounded);  Captain  J.  R. 
Hotchkiss,  (wounded) ;  John  M.  Johnson,  chief  surgeon  ;  and  Sur- 
geon J.  H.  Erskine,  chief  iuspector.  Dr  Johnson  showed  the  same 
ieal,  courage  and  energy  in  this  battle  which  has  distinguished  hira 
on  every  other  occasion,  and  made  me  feel  that  my  division  was  very 
fortunate  in  having  secured  his  services.  In  addition  to  the  officers 
and  men  already  niLUtioned  in  my  report,  the  following  officers  and 
men  have  been  brought  to  my  notice  for  distinguished  services  on  the 
fieljl.  I  hope  it  will  be  considered  no  disparagement  of  the  servicea 
of  other  brave  men  of  my  division,  some  of  whom  laid  down  their 
lives  or  lost  limbs  on  this  field,  if  their  gallant  deeds  have  been  over- 
looked in  this  report.  In  Wood's  brigade,  I  must  specially  mention  . 
the  following  officers  and  men  of  the  sixteenth  Alabama,  viz : 
Colonel  W.  B.  Wood;  Adjutant  B.  A,  Wilson,  -wounded;  Captain 
Hodges,  company  F ;  Lieutenant  Davis,  company  B  ;  Lieutenant 
Jones,  company  G;  Li-eutenant  Pride,  company  A;  Lieutenant  Car- 
son, company  C,  who  remained  fighting  after  he  was  wounded; 
Lieutenant  Warren,  company  F ;  Lieutenant  Saltor,  company  D,i 
who  was  wounded,  but  returned  to  the  field  the  moment  his  woun(i. 
was  dreas^;  Sergeant  Major  Robert  Cherry;  Sergeant  Harvey/com- 
21 


322 

prtr.y  If;  privates  William  Boyce  and  James  Peeden,  company  C; 
htvrreant  ])O^Yc^,  comp.uiy  H  ;  Sernceiint  W.  II.  Ilutlind,  company. 
A;  privates  l*c'er  White,  company  II,  Robert  Williams,  company  B, 
apd  II.  D.  Smith,  company  A;  the  latter,  wounded  in  both  legs,  de- 
S'.iives  promotion.  In  the  forty-fifth  Mississippi,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Cburlton,  Major  Wunn,  Adjutant  Frank  Foster,  Serjiemts  Ashburry, 
E^little,  Morrison,  Vaugh,  iStewart,  Lieutenant  Williams.  Sergeant 
Major  Kern,  Corporals  Mallet,  Ilackler  and  Read,  and  private 
McOhadden.  Corporal  Read  volunteered  to  carry  the  colors  after 
tVic  color-bearer  had  been  shot  down.  He  is  well  qualified  as  an  oflS- 
cer,  and  ought  to  be  promoted.  In  the  thirty-third  Alabama,  Colonel 
Adams.  Captain  DoHson,  Captain  Thomas  Seay,  severely  wounded  in 
advance;  Sergeant  Mfljor  Mizell,  mortally  wounded ;  Corporal  J,  R. 
Smith,  company  C;  Sergeant  Stewart,  company  A  ;  privates  Byrd, 
COi.ipany  I.  Fester,  company  E,  and  Riley,  company  D.  Third  Con- 
frderate.  Major  Canieron.  Wood's  sharpshooters,  Captain  Hawkins. 
Cr  Polk's  brigade,  in  fifth  Confederate,  ColonelJ.  A.  Smith,  Adjutant 
F.  J.  Smith.  First  Arkansas,  Colonel  Colquitt,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Don  McGregor,  Adjutant  S.  N.  Greenwood;  Captain  Alexai  der, 
COiLpany  B,  wounded;  Captain  Scale?,  company  C,  wounded  ;  Captain 
Parrish' company  D,  wounded  ;  Lieutenant  John  E  Lttson,  wounded; 
Corporals  Green  and  M.  iNI.  Kenzie,  company  A,  killed;  John  S  J. 
-Hemphill,  company  B,  wounded;  privates  G.  W.  Sallee,  company  C; 
J.  C.  Bogy,  company  I);  VV.  W.  Chaney,  company  E;  Hardy  J. 
Babin,  company  F;  A.  P.  Green,  company  G,  killed;  James  I^mson, 
COapany  11  ;  John  H.  Curd,  company  I,  killed;  Ocean  C.  Choat, 
CCmpany  K,  killed.  Captain  'ihomas  II  O.sborne,  companies  B  and 
Ii,  fifteenih  Aikaneas  ;  Lieutenant  John  Dcdan,  company  A,  thir- 
teenth Arkansas,  ought  to  be  promoted;  color-bearer  Feli.v  E.  Lesse, 
thirteenth  Arkansas,  Avounded ;  Sergeant  J.  M.  IIurkleroa<l,  first 
liergeant  company  F,  fifteenth  Arkansa.s  ;  private  William  Lanford, 
company  E,  thirteenth  Arkansas,  wounded,  ought  to  be  promoted  ; 
Lieutenant  William  Pearce  and  Captain  Kinsey,  fifteenth  Arkansas. 
Fifth  Tennessee,  Colonel  B.  L  Hill,  well  worthy  of  promotion.  Cal- 
vert's battery,  Joseph  Lemon,  color-bearer,*  deserves  promotion. 
In  Liddell's  brigade,  second  Arkansas,  liieutenants  Collier  and  Clegg, 
I  fear,  killed  ;  Ijieutenant  Colonel  llaivey;  Captain  Phillips,  com- 
pany F,  ought  to  be  promoted  ;  Lieutenants  Emerson,  company  A, 
Brown,  company  K,  and  Smith,  company  G.  Eighth  Arkansas, 
Adjutant -McCurdy,  a  brave  young  soldier,  killed  ;  Lieutenant  Call, 
company  I  ;  Lieutenant  Calvin  East,  company  H  ;  Lieutenant  J.  H. 
Beard,  compary  F,  killed;  Lieutenant  Bass,  company  E;  Captain 
Lankford,  company  A ;  Lieutenant  Perrett,  company  E.  Fifth 
Arkansas,  Captain  Washington,  company  K  ;  privates  John  Atkinson, 
company  C;  B.  W.  Marett,  company  I;  C.  Mattox,  company  F — this 
toldier  was  too  badly  wounded  to  carry  his  gun  ;  he  asked  to  be  al- 
lowed to  carry  the  colors,  and  did  so  throu|jh  the  rest  of  the  day; 
three  color-bearers  had  been  shot  down  previously.  Sixth  and  seventh 
Arkansas,  Captain  Martin,  Lieutenant  Reeves  and  Captain  Brown 
were  foremost  in  leading  their  men ;  Captains  Fletcher,  Wilkerson 


323 

"find  Duffie,  ■^•ounded  ;  Sergeant  Major  Eddins ;  Sergeant  Bratton, 
«ompanj  H;  private  Iliilse,  company  K;  the  color-bearer,  \vhose 
name  has  not  been  famished  me  In  Johnson's  brigade,  twenty-fifth 
Tennessee.  Captain  A.  Green,  corupany  G  ;  Captain  G  II  Swope, 
company  II ;  first  Lieutenant  D.  T.  Walker,  company  D.  Forty-' 
fourth  Tennessee,  Major  H  C  Ewing  ;  Cuptain  Samuel  Stiles,  com- 
pany A;  Adjutant  11.  G.  Gross;  Lieutenants  Kelso,  company  B, 
Dickens,  company  C,  Gibbs,  comp:;ny  F,  Forester,  company  F, 
wounded ;  color  sergeant  M.  J.  Turner ;  Corporal  J.  S.  Berry, 
company  I,  wounded  ;  corporal  John  W.  Gill,  Company  F,  killed; 
private  J.  D.  Stone,  company  B  ;  S.  G.  Heffling,  company  C,  killed  ; 
B.  P,  Hargrove,  company  E,  Avounded  ;  James  D.  CrenL-haw,  com- 
pany H,  wounded  ;  J.  M.  Sellers,  company  K.  Twenty  seventh 
Te«nessee,  Captain  N.  R  Allen,  company  E;  Captain  W.  II.  Har- 
den, company  G ;  private  Henry  Haynes,  company  E ;  Stephen 
Foster,  company  C.  Seventeenth  Tennessee,  Adjuta!nt  James  Fitz- 
patrick. 

I  wish  to  call  particular  attention  to  the  gallant  conduct  of  Sergeant 
William  N.  Cam«ron,  color-bearer  of  the  twenty  fifth  Tennessee 
regiment.  In  the  last  fight  he  advanced  in  fron^of  his  regiment  so 
far  that,  when  it  fell  back,  he  was  unable  to  follow  and  was  captured. 
He  tore  the  colors  from  the  staff,  concealed  them  upon  hia  person^ 
and  made  his  escape  from  Bowling  Green,  bringing  v/ith  him  the  flag 
of  the  twenty-fifth  Teni:essee  regiment.- 

In  conclusion,  I  would  t>tate  that  I  carried  into  the  fight  six  thou- 
fiand  and  forty-five  men,  out  of  which  I  lust  two  thousand  and 
eighty-one  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

P.  R.  CLEBURNE, 

Major  General,. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR   GENERAL  M(  GOWN. 

Headquarters  Second  Division,  Smith's  Corps, 
Shclbyville,  Tenn.,  Jan.  20,  1863. 

Major  T.  B.  Roy,  A    A.   G.: 

Having  acted  under  the  orders  of  Lieutenant  General  Hardee  at 
the  battle  before  Murfreesboro,'  on  the  Sist  December,  ISGi,  I  have 
the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  my  di- 
vision. -  My  division  is  composed  fii  three  brigades,  constituted  as 
follows : 

First  Brigade,  commanded  by  Brigadier  Getieral  M.  D.  Ector  : 

Eleventh  Texas  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel  J.  C,  Burks. 
Fourteenth  Texaj  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel  J.  A.  Camp. 
Tenth  Texas  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel  N.  F.  Locke. 
Fifteenth  Texas  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel  J.  A.  Andrews. 
Captain  J.  A.  Douglass'  battery. 

Second  Brigade,  conmanded  by  Brigadier  General  James  B,  Rains  : 

Twenty-ninth  North  Carolina  regiment,  commanded  by  .Colonel  R. 
"B.  Vance. 

Eleventh  Tennessee  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel  G.  W.  Jor- 
dan. 

Third  Georgia  battalion,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  M.  A. 
Stovall. 

Ninth  Georgia  battalion,  commanded  by  J.  S.  Smith. 

The  Eufala  light  artillery,  commanded  by  Lioutenant  McDuffie. 

Third  Bi  igade,  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  E.  McNair  : 

First  Arkansas  rifles,  commanded  by  Colonel  R.  W.  Harper. 
Second  rifles,  commanded  by  Colonel  Williamson, 
Fourth  Arkansas  regiment,  commanded  by  H.  G.  Bunn. 
Thirtieth  Arkansas  regiment,  commanded  by  Major  J.  J.  Franklin. 
Fourth  Arkansas  battalion,  commanded  by  Major  J.  A.  Ross. 
Captain  J.  S.  Humphrey's  battery. 

My  effective  force  being  about  four  thousand  men.  My  command  v^as 
located  at  Readysville,  Tennessee,  twelve  miles  east  of  Murfreesboro'. 
At  twelve  o'clock,  on  the  night  of  the  26th  December,  I  received  orders 
from  the  General  commanding  to  move  at  once  to  Murfreesboro'.     I 


325 

arrived  at  nine,  A.  M.,  on  the  27th,  this  march  being  made  in  a 
cold  and  drenching  rain.  In  obedience  to  orders,  my  division  was 
posted  near  the  Nashville  pike,  behind  Stone's  river,  as  the  reserve  to 
the  army  of  Tennessee. 

On  the  29th,  I  moved  my  division  to  our  extreme  left,  to  fill  an  in- 
terval between  Lieutenant  General  Polk's  left  and  the  Triune  road. 
Not  finding  an  interval,  .1  posted  my  command  on  the  left  of  the 
Triune  road,  in  a  lane  at  nearly  right  angles  to  said  road,  and  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  (15  ')  yards  in  advance  of  Lieutenant  General 
Polk's  advance  lino,  with  Ijrigadier  General  McNair's  brigade  in 
reserve,  two  batteries  in  reserve,  and  one  (EufauJa  light  artillery,) 
near  my  centre. 

.  On  the  30th,  the  enemy  extended  his  lines  to  our  left,  placing  in 
position  several  batteries ;  and  later  in  the  day  made  a  determined 
attack  upon  Robinson's  battery,  placed  on  General  Polk's  left.  I 
directed  the  Eufaula  light  artillery  to  be  posted  so  as  to  take  the  en- 
emy's line,  and  one  battery  in  flan^v.  Brigadier  General  Rains  ex- 
ecuted this  order  in  person,  with  considerable  damage  to  the  enemy. 
About  this  time  another  battery  opened  upon  my  front,  killing  and 
wounding  about  thirty  of  my  command,  principally  from  Brigadier 
General  McNair's  brigade.  Night  closed  this  almost  a  battle.  During 
the  night,  the  enemy  extended  his  lines,  covering  my  front.  At  the 
dawn  of  day,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  Lieutenant  General  JLirdee, 
I  moved  my  reserve  brigade,  (McNair's  )  and  placed  it  on  my  right, 
and  moved  upon  the  enemy  in  my  front,  about  six  or  eight  hundred 
yards  distant.  I  will  here  state  that  Major  General  Cleburne's 
division  was  placed  in  rear  of  my  command  as  a  second  line.  The 
Triune  road  turned  square  to  the  left  about  one  hundred  and  fifty 
(loll)  yards  in  front  of  Lieutenant  General  Polk's  left,  and  again 
square  to  the  right,  abo«t  four  hundred  (400) -yards  from  the  first 
turn,  an  open  field  on  my  entire  front.  On  the  right  of  the  field,  and 
in  front  of  Lieutenant  General  Polk's  left,  was  a  cedar  brake.  As  I 
advanced  my  right  flank  received  a  galling  fire  from  this  brake^  as 
well  as  in  my  front,  from  both  infantry  and  artillery.  My  men  ad- 
vanced steadily,  reserving  their  fire  until  they  were  but  a  short  dis- 
tance from  the  enemy's  position  A  volley  was  delivered,  and  their 
position  and  batteries  taken  with  the  bayonet,  leaving  the  ground 
covered  with  his  dead  and  v.'ounded,  leaving,  also,  many  prisoners  in 
our  hands — among  them.  Brigadier  General  Willick,  captured  by 
Mr.  James  Stone,  volunteer  aid  to  General  McNair,  and  another  officer, 
representing  himself  as  a  brigadier  general,  (name  forgotten,)  cap- 
tured by  General  McNair's  orderly,  volunteer  King  The  enemy 
made  several  attempts  to  rally,  but  failed,  being  closely  pushe  1  by  my 
men;  their  defeat  becoming  almost  a  rout.  The  enemy  was  pressed 
near  a  mile.  The  force  of  the  enemy  in  my  front  prevented  md 
throwing  forward  my  left  wing  as  soon  as  instructed'by  Lieutenant 
General  Hardee-.  In  the  mcantiime,  the  enemy  pushed  a  force  to  my 
right  and  rear,  close  upon  the  battery  captured  on  my  right.  Captain 
Douglass  coming  up  with  his  battery,  came  close  upon  this  body  of 
the  enemy.     Discovering  that  the  enemy  supposed  it  to  be  a  Federal 


326 

Uattdy,  he  oMiqued  to  the  left,  carao  into  battery,  not  bearing  on 
the  orumy.,  they  waving;  their  ilarrs  at  hioi.  In  an  instant  he  turned 
his  ^Mins  upon  them,  and  opened  with  canister.  The  surprise  was 
complete,  and  the  enemy  fell  back  in  considerable  disorder.  About 
this  time,  a  heavy  force  was  brou<jht  against  my  right  flank.  Brig- 
adier General  McNair,  commanding  the  brigade  on  my  right,  discov- 
ere<l  tlieir  movements,  and  halted  his  brigade.  I  directed  General 
McN::ir  to  face  his  brigade  to  the  right,  and  file  it  to  the  right,  to 
check  this  movement.  The  moment  was  critical.  I  sent  the  same 
order  to  Generals  Ector  and  Rains,  which  was  promptly  obeyed  by 
them,  leaving  a  strong  body  of  the  enemy  in  their  front.  ^Seeing 
General  Liddell's  brig;;de  in  the  rear,  I  brought  it  forward,  and  placed 
it  on  my  right,  to  cover  this  change  of  front.  General  I-iddtdl  be- 
came at  once  engaged  with  a  largely  superior  force.  The  enemy 
made  shvlter  of  a  fence ;  General  Liddell  in  an  open  field.  He  gal- 
lantly )naintained  his  ground  until  General  McNair's  brigade  was 
placed  on  his  left.  .  General  McN^ir  at  once  moved  upon  the  enemy, 
pushing  his  right  on  his  centre,  and  forcing  him  from  his  position  for 
half  a  m.le  The  enemy  was  here  posted  behind  a  rail  fence.  Again 
General  McNair  advanced  across  an  open  field,  for  near  four  hundred 
y8,rd«,  and  drove  them  from  their  position,  capturing  all  but  two  guns 
of  their  i:  attery — one  of  those  afterwards  captured.  General  Liddell's 
brig!ide  co-operated  in  this  action.  The  enemy  was  actively  pursued 
for  about  tlirce-fourths  of  a  mile,  when  the  division  was  halted,  and 
ammmiiiiou  issued,  forty  rounds  having  been  nearly  exhausted. 

Brigadier  General  McNair,  by  his  skill  and  energy,  defeated  the 
eneiny  in  thi.s  last  action,  before  I  could  bring  Generals  Ector  and 
Rains  into  action.  Hero  (.Tcneral  McNair  became  exhausted,  having 
left  a  sick  bed  to  lead  his  brigade  I  sent  him  back  to  camp — Colo- 
nel R.  W.  Harper  taking  command  of  the  brigade.  Captain  Hum- 
phreys, with  his  battery  on  my  right,  engaged  one  of  the  enemy's 
batteries  in  flank  and  rear.  This  battery  was  soon  silenced 
or  captured  by  our  troops  in  its  front.  We  were  now  near  the  Wil- 
kinson pike.  The  command  was  much  exhausted,  having  forced  the 
enemy's  left  back  several  miles,  and  three  time  defeated  the  forces 
sent  to  check  our  advance.  1  may  here  add  that  prisoners,  except 
those  of  riink,  were  turned  to  the  rear  ;  my  command  being  so  small 
that  1  could  not  dispense  with  a  single  man,  leaving  them  to  be  picked 
up  by  the  cavnlry  and  those  in  rear.  Notwithstanding  the  exhausted 
condition  of  my  men,  having  received  orders  from  Lieutenant  Gene- 
ral Hardee,  1  prepared  at  once  to  advance.  Leaving  General  Lid- 
dell's brigade — at  his  request  having  sent  my  train  to  furni.sh  him,  I 
moved  General  Raiii«'  brigade  from  the  left  of  my  division  to  the 
right,  being  the  strongest  and  least  cut  up.  He  was  directed  to  move 
some  distance  to  the  right,  so  as  to  take  in  flank  the  batteries  posted 
by  the  enemy  fiear  the  Nashville  pike,  at  the  same  time  that  Geiie- 
ral  Ector  and  (McNair's  brigade)  Colonel  Harper  took  them  in  front. 
General  Rains  met  with  a  determined  resistance,  but  succeeded  iu 
forcing  the  enemy  from  the  woods  and  into  the  fields,  that  lay  south 
of  their  position  on    the  Nashville   pike,    General    Ector    and   (Mc- 


327 

Nairs)  Colonel  Harper  moviqg  in  a  northeaster!/  rlirecti.jn.  Gani^.vaM 
Rains  near  due  north.  I  soon  discovered  that  my  left  wouKl  bec>'.riia 
engaged  before  my  right  could  co-operate  I  sent  to  correct  my  lir»e, 
directing  the  men  to  be  placed  under  cover,  and  hold  their  groixnd. 
But  bffoVe  this  ordir  reached  the  command,  General  Ector  came  un- 
der a  galling  fire  from  infantry,  sheltered  in  a  cedur  brake,  and  ar- 
tillery. General  Ector  at  once  charged  them,  forcing  their  first  line 
of  infantry  beyond  their  second,  and  their  cannoiiiers  from  theirguns 
in  their  front.  I  directed  Colonel  Harper  (commanding  McNair^a 
brigade)  to  charge  the  batteries  in  his  front,  with  a  like  result.  These 
two  brigades  wore  coolly  firing  into  their  second  lino  (if "infantry,  not 
sixty  yards  distant,  notwiihstanding  they  were  enfiladed  by  a  terrible 
fire  from  their  batteries  on  our  right.  Every  moment  I  expected  to 
see  General  Kains  take  these  batteries.  I  yras  doomed  to  disappoint- 
ment. I  was  informed  that  General  Rains  foil,  shot  througli  the  he.-irt, 
at  the  moment  the  eneny  was  routed.  The^fall  of  this  gallant  ofiioer 
and  accomplished  gentleman,  threw  his  brigade  into  confusion.  Also 
about  this  time,  General  Cheatham  gave  some  orders  to  a  part  of  the 
brigade,  that  tended  to  change  their  direction  to  their  front.  I  now 
directed  General  Ector  and  Colonel  Harper  to  fall  back,  under  cover, 
which  was  accomplished  without  demoralization  or  molestation  frora 
the  enemy.  As  these  brigades  fell  back.  General  Lidleli  v/as  met  ii* 
the  edge  of  the  woods,  having  replenished  his  ammunition.  I  direct?.<l 
them  to  form  on  his  right.  Captain  Humphreys,  during  this  last  con- 
test, passed  through  an  interval  in  our  lines,  and  engaged  the  batteries 
on  the  hill  on  our  right.  The  enemy  turned  sixteen  guns  upon  hiia, 
but  he  gallantly  maintained  the  fight,  until  my  command  was  und^^r 
cover.  Four  of  his  guns  wore  disabled  and  sent  to  the  rear.  One 
regiment  of  General  Rains'  brigade,  received  orders  frcm  Lieutenant 
General  Hardee,  and  was  again  in  action.  My  division  had  now  been 
under  fire  from  five  to  eight  hcurs  ;  although  exhausted,  the  men  were 
in  good  spirits. 

By  direction  of  Lieutenant  General  Hardee,  the  division  was  moved 
to  the  right,  connecting  with  Lieutenant  General  Polk's  left.  Here 
the  division  remained  on  the  defensive,  at  times  skirmishing  Avith  the 
enemy,  and  being  fchelled  by  thoir  batteries,  until  the  night  of  the 
2nd  January,- 18(13,  when  1  was  placed  in  reserve,  between  the  Nash- 
ville and  Lebanon  pikes.  Here  I  remained  until  one  o'clock,  A.  M., 
on  the  4th,  when,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  Lieutenant  Gener.:! 
Polk,  I  moved  to  this  place.  During  these  operations,  onesection  cf 
tSe  Eufaula  light  artillery  was  detached  with  General  Buford.  Caj[>- 
tain  Hardy's  company  of  cavalry,  acting  as  my  escort,  was  thro^7r^ 
out  to  connecvmy  left  with  Gener. IWharton,  where  he  sufF^-red  severely. 

Among  the  many  incidents  of  this  severe  and  protracted  strugg'e, 
I  would  mention  the  following  :  Colonel  J.  1.!.  Burks,  commanding 
the  eleventh  Texas  regiment,  though  mortally  wounded,  continued  to 
lead  his  regiment  until  exhausted.  Colonel  Burks  was  a  gallant  sol- 
dier, and  idolized  by  his  command.  In  the  words  of  his  brigade  cora- 
mander,  *'  a  better  friend — a  warmer  'heart — a  more  gallant  leader 
than  he  was,  never  diev,  the  breath  of  life."     Sergeant  A.  Jrims,  fag 


323 

foarcr  of  the  tenth  JTcxas,  (  Colonel  Locke, )  seeing  in  one  of  the 
charjrop  a  Federal  flng  bearer  -with  bis  flag  waving  bis  regiment  for- 
wa4-d,  sparng  forward  and  seized  the  Federal  flag,  when  both  fell -dead 
Wiving  their  banners  with  their  last  breath.  The  Federal  flag  was 
c^iptured.  Sergeant  James  T.  McGee,  the  only  man  left  of  the  color 
gaard,  Feized  our  colors,  but  for  a  moment,  when  anotlu'r  of  our  no- 
tiest  and  bravest  men  fell  to  rise  no  more  ;  private  Manny,  of  com- 
pany II,  iben  raised  the  flag,  and  bore  it  aloft  the  remainder  of  the 
day.  Piivatc  James  W.  Clark,  of  company  G,  carried  the  flag  of  the 
fif^teenth  Texas  regiment,  in  the  fii:st  charge,  during  which  he  was 
killed.  'J'he  color  wa:?  then  taken  by  Lieutenant  L,  De  Board,  of 
company  H,  who  bore  them  the  remainder  of  the  engagement.  Private 
Clark  Jenkins,  of  company  D.  first  Arkansas  rifles,  seeing  a  Federal 
officer  making  great  exertions  to  rally  his  command,  detached  himself 
from  his  company,  taking  deliberate  aim,  shot  him  from  his  horse. 
The  saddle  had  the  saddle  cloth  of  a  general  officer. 

In  the;  first  charge  in  the  morning,  sergeant  J.  R,  Terry,  color 
bearer  of  the  fourth  Arkanrias  battalion,  had  his  arm  paralysed  by  a 
^hot. striking  the  staff,  and  the  flag  fell  to  the  ground.  Sergeant  J.  C. 
Davis,  of  company  A,  immediately  snatched  the  colors,  and  bore  them 
nntil  reclaimed  by  sergeant  Terry.  Color  bearer  W,  C'.  Hamlin, 
second  regiment  Aikansas  rifles,  gallantly  bore  his  flag  until  shot 
down.  The  colors  were  immediately  seized  by  corporal  J.  W.  Piles, 
of  the  color  guard,  who  bore  them  gallantly  the  remain<ler  of  theday. 
Color  bearer  V.  B.  Bryant,  of  the  fourth  Arkansas  regiment,  was 
wounded.  Lieutenant  Armstrong  then  took  the  colors,  and  fell  mor- 
Cnlly  wounded.  Sergeant  Goodwin  then  took  thera,  but  was  soon  after- 
wards wouniled.  Captain  Lavender  bore  the  colors  the  remainder  of 
the  day. 

In  one  of  the  charges  of  the  thirtieth  Arkansas  regiment,  it  had 
seven  company  commanders  cut  down,  and  the  color  bearer,  yet  the 
n:en  never  wavered.  Later  in  the  day  a  second  color  bearer  was 
wounded,  and  the  colors  lost  in  the  cedar  brake,  but  whether  found  by 
the  enemy  or  not,  is  not  known.  The  only  field  officer,  Major  Frank- 
tin,  and  several  lieutenants,  also  ftU,  and  yet  this  regiment  maintained 
its  organization.  Seven  color  bearers  fell  in  General  McNair's  brig- 
ade, and  three  in  General  Ector's,  Colonel  G.  W.  Gordon,  eleventh 
7'ennessee  regiment,  fell  dangerously  wounded,  while  most  gallantly 
Lading  his  regiment.  I  was  infoimed  by  prisoners,  that  the  Federal 
General  Till  was  killed  by  my  division,  while  endeavoring  to  rally  hjs 
^  defeated  troops.  My  division  moved  so  rapidly,  and  was  so  constantly 
engaged  that  the  guns  captured  were  never  counted,  I  am  satisfied 
that  there  were  at  least  twenty- three,  besides  caissons,  friges,  and  other 
ordnance  stores    The  division  passed  untouch*  (l,wagons,knapsacks,&c. 

Brigadier  Generals  Ector  and  McNair,  and  Colonel  Harper,  (com- 
manding McNair's  lirigadc  in  the  latter  part  the  day.)  exhibited  cool 
and  dauntless  courage  iis  well  as  skill,  in  the  handling  of  their  commands 
I  cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms  of  the  regimental  and  company  offi- 
cers, all  bore  themselves  gallantly  and  nobly. 

To  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  soldiers  of  my  division,  I  owe 


323 

a  debt  of  gratitude.  I  did  not  see  a  single  straggler  nor  a  single  plun- 
derer up  to  the  attack  on  the  enemy's  position  on  the  Nashville  pike. 
Every  man  seemed  inspired. 

To  ray  staff  on  the  field,  I  am  under  many  obligations  for  the  eflS- 
cient  manner  in  which  they  performed  their  respective  duties,  viz: 

Major  H.  S.  Bradford,  A.  A.  G.  and  chief  of  staff;  Major  J.  A. 
Henry,  Jr.,  Inspector  General ;  Major  Bat  Barrow,  A.  A.  General; 
Captain  T.  S.  De  Wolfe,  A.  A.  General;  Lieutenant  B.  N.  Mathis, 
A.  &  I.  General  ;  Lieutenant  H.  S.  Foote,  Jr.,  A.  D.  C.  ;  Mr.  U.  R. 
McClure,  volunteer  aid;  Lieutenant  E.  M.  Ross,  A.  A.  D.  C. ;  Cap- 
tain G.  M.  Mathis,  chief  of  artillery. 

Captain  J.  D.  Allison,  ordnance  officer,  performed  his  duty  well, 
not  only  supplying  ammunition  to  my  division,  but  to  others.  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  W.  E.  Dyer,  acting  pay  master  to  Smith's  cor].>  in  the 
field,  Major  M,  Cheatham,  A.  Q.  M.,  and  Captain  C.  W.  Kenedy,  A. 
Q.  M.,  have  my  thanks  for  the  efficient  manner  in  Avhich  thoy  per- 
formed duties  assigned  to  them.  Major  P.  T.  Giass,  division  (Com- 
missary, and  Major  J,  Bronson  Smith,  A.  C.  S.,  rendered  good  service 
in  their  department,  in  supplying  the  coTiimand  in  the  field,  and  the 
hospitals.  Division  Surgeon  Gus.  B.  Thornton,  was  untiring  in  hia 
labors  with  the  wounded.  lie  is  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  the  com- 
mand. On  several  occasions  Lieutenant  D.  0.  Chamberlain,  of  my 
escort;  carried  my  orders  on  the  field,  to  my  satisfaction.  My  two 
orderlies,  William  T.  Brabson  and  William  Forbes,  bore  themselves 
with  great  courage,  and  were  useful  to  me  in  many  ways.  Mr.  Arm- 
strong, of  Knoxville,  behaved  with  great  gallantry. 

To  Brigadier  General  Liddell,  commandinji;  a  brigade  in  Cleburne's 
division,  I  am  under  many  obligations.  lie  came  into  action  at  ray 
request  at  a  critical  moment,  gallantly  maintaining  the  fight,  until  I 
could  change  ray  front,  and  bring  my  troops  into  action.  This  was 
the  only  active  support  that  I  am  aware  of  receiving  until  I  was 
forced  to  abandon  my  purpose  of  establishing  myself  on  the  Nasii- 
ville  pike.  I  feel  grateful  to  Lieutenant  General  Hardee,  for  the 
consideration  exhibited  for  my  weary  and  exhausted  command,  as  well 
as  for  the  confidence  { as  exhibited  by  him  in  sharing  our  fortunes, 
at  one  time  in  reor  of  the  Federal  army  )  reposed  in  them. 

It  is  with  pride  and  pleasure  I  lecord  the  gallant  bearing  of  my 
division,  but  it  is  with  a  sad  heart  that  I  record  the  roll  of  the  gal- 
lant dead  and  wounded. 

Colonel  R.  B  Vance,  twjenty-ninth  North  Carolina,  succeeded  to 
the  command  of  General  Rains'  Brigade.  Colonel  Vance  bore  him- 
self gallantly. 

■  After  the  fall  of  General  Rains,  his  ?taff  on  the  field  reported  to 
me  ;  their  bearing  at  all  times,  when  under  my  observation,  was  very 
gallanj. 

They  are  as  follows  : 

Captain  T.  R.  Smith,  Inspector  General ;  Lieut.  T.  D.  Thompson, 
aid-de-camp  ;   Captain  C.  A.  Nichols,  volunteer  aid-de  camp. 

I  send  enclosed  the   reports  of  my  subordinate   commanders,  and 


S30 

ft  list  of  the  killed,  wouudcd,  and  misting,  which  please  append  to 
this  report. 

I  alrio    scud    a    topographical    sketch    of  the    hattle,    drawu   from 
memory 

Your?,  &c., 

M.  McCOWN, 
Major  General  commanding. 


\ 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  WHEELER. 

Hkadquarters  Cavalry, 

Near  Foster ville,  Tenn  ,  Jan,  26,  1863. 

Colonel  G.  W.  Brent,  A.  'A.   G.: 

Colonel:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  my  coinmami,  consisting 
of  the  first  Alabama  cavalry,  Colonel  Allen  ;  third  Alabama,  Major 
Gaines ;  fifty-firat  Alabama.  Colonel  Morgan  ;  eighth  Confederate, 
Colonel  Wa'le,  and  the  two  Tennessee  battalions,  under  command  of 
Majors  Ilolman  and  Douglass,  together  with  Wiggins'  btntery.  was, 
on  the  26th  ultimo,  stationed  on  Stuart's  creek,  on  the  Murfreesboro' 
and  Nashville  pike,  and  about  ten  (1(1)  miles  northwest  of  Murfreeg- 
boro'.  My  line  of  videttes,  forming  a  continuous  line,  e:vtended  from 
a  point  east  of  Stone's  river,  on  my  right,  crossing  the  Nashville  and 
Murfreesboro'  pike,  about  ton  (10)  miles  from  Nashville,  and  extend- 
ing to  a  point  about  hsilf  way  from  said  pike  to  Brentwood  ;  the  posts 
of  the  pickets  and  grand  guards  being  at  favorable  positions  on  the 
avenues  of  approach,  and  at  points  varying  from  three  hundred  (3l)U) 
to  one  thousand  (i.tiOO)  yards  in  rear  of  the  line  of  videttes.  Gen- 
eral Pegrara's  brigade  was  stationed  on  the  right,  and  General  Whar- 
ton's brigade  on  the  left,  of  my  line. 

About  seven  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  December  26th,  the  enemy 
advanced  in  large  force,  driving  in  our  videttes.  On  arriving  at  the 
front,  and  seeing  the  extent  of  the  movement,  I  ordered  up  the  entire 
command,  and  deployed  it  in  line  of  battle.  We  engaged  the  enemy 
during  the  entire  day,  failing  back  about  three  miles.  We  also  en- 
gaged the  enemy  during  the  2Sth  and  29th.  We  had  reached  the  line 
of  battle  of  our  infantry,  and  had  placed  my  brigade  on  the  extreme 
right  of  the  line.  At  midnight,  pursuant  to  orders  from  General 
Bragg,  I  proceeded  with  my  command,  reinforced  by  Colonel  Carters 
regiment,  to  the  enemy's  rear.  By  daylight  on  the  3l)th,  we  had 
reached  Jefterson,  and  soon  after  met  a  brigade  train,  with  all  the 
equipage  of  one  brigade.  We  attacked  vigorously,  drove  off  the 
guards,  and  destroyed  the  train,  baggage,  equipage,  &c.;  also  captur- 
ing about  fifty  (od)  prisoners.  We  then  proceeded  towards  Lavergne, 
and  captured  a  party  of  Federals,  out  stealing  and  gathering  :^tock  ;  and 
soomafter  overtook  and  captured  a  small  forage  train.  About  noon 
vie  arrived  in  the  vicinity  of  Lavcigne,  and  found  it  filled  with  sol- 
diers, and  large  trains  i  packed  in  the  fields  surrounding  the  place. 
We  immediately  charged  in  three  columns,  completely  surprising  the 
guards,  who  made  but  slight  resistance.  We  immediately  paroled  the 
prisoners,  amounting  to  about  seven  hundred,  (700,)  and  destroyed 
immense  trains  and  stores,  amounting  to  many  hundred  thousands  of 
dollars.  We  then  proceeded  to  Rook  Spring,  attacked,  captured  and 
destroyed  another  large  train.  Wo  then  ma'rched  on  Nolensville 
without  opposition,  capturing  large  trains,  stores  and  crms,  ami  about 
three  hundred    (300)   prisoners.     We  slept  for  a  few  hburs  five  (5) 


332 

miles  from  Nolcnsville ;  and  at  two  o'clock  the  next  morning,  pro- 
ceeded to  the  left  flank  of  our  army,  having  made  a  complete  circuit 
of  the  enemy's  rear.  On  arriving,  the  lirre  was  engaged  We  pressed 
oa.  and  attacked  the  enemy  on  the  Murfreeshoro"  and  Jsashville  pike, 
just  north  of  Overall's  creek.  After  a  hrisk  engagement  we  moved 
across  the  creek,  and  made  an  attack  on  the  enemy  at  that  point, 
driving  him  fur  two  (2)  miles,  and  successfully  engaging  him  until 
dark*  when  wc  fell  back  to  the  loft  of  our  line,  ^^lere  we  remained 
during  the  night.  In  this  latter  engagement  Colonel  Allen  and  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Webb  were  wounded. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  Ist  of  January,  18G5,  I  proceeded, 
pursuant  to  directions  from  General  Bragg,  with  my  own  and  Gen- 
eral Wharton's  brigade  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  We  attacked  a 
large  train  near  Lavergne,  dispersing  its  guards,  and  captured  and 
destroyed  a  large  number  ot  wagons  and  stores.  We  also  captured 
one  piece  of  artillery.  Towards  evening  we  received  orders  to  return, 
and  we  regained  our  positions  on  the  flanks  of  the  army  by  two 
o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  2d  instant. 

We  remained  in  position  that  night  and  the  next  day,  eiigagiug  the 
enemy  at  every  opportunity.  At  nine  o'clock  that  evoninrr  1  pro- 
ceeded again  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  according  to  directions  from 
General  Bragg,  and  succeeded  next  morning  in  captuj-ing  a  number 
of  horses.  Wagons,  and  prisoners.  About  two  o'clock,  J'  M.,  we 
attacked  a  large  ordnance  train  at  Cox's  hill,  heavily  guarded  by  cav- 
alry and  infantry,  and  succeeded  in  driviig  off"  the  cavalry  guards 
and  in  breaking  down  and  upsetting  t  large  number  of  wagons.  The 
enemy's  infantry  being  in  such  force,  (quite  treble  our  numbers,) 
wc  were  prevented  from  destroying  the  train,  but  succeeded  in  pre- 
venting its  making  any  further  progress  that  day.  By  this  time  wo 
received  orders  to  immediately  return  to  the  army,  which  was  obeyed. 
we  reaching  our  former  position,  on  the  left  flank  of  our  army,  about 
four  o'clock  next  morning  We  here  learned  that  the  army  had  fallen 
back  ;  and  about  nine  o'clock  that  morning  we  crossed  Stone's  river, 
and  took  position  in  front  of  Murfreeshoro'.  About  three  o'clock,  P. 
M.,  the  enemy  advanced  to  the  river,  and  commenced  a  brisk  skirm- 
ish, with  artillery  and  infantry.  After  dark,  the  enemy  retired  a 
short  distance,  and  our  pickets  iu  front  of  iMurfreesboro'  were  unmo- 
lested during  the  night. 

At  daylight,  on  Monday,  the  4th  instant,  wo  fell  back  to  a 
point  on  the  Manchester  pike,  about  three  (3)  miles  from  Murfrees- 
horo'. About  one  o'clock  the  enemy  advanced,  and  after  a  short 
skirmish,  we  fell  back  half  a.  mile,  to  a  more  favorable  position. 
Here  we  formed  in  line  of  battle,  in  conjunction  with  General  Po- 
gram's  brigade,  in  a  very  favorable  position,  behind  fences,  entirely 
obscured  from  view.  About  three  o'clock  the  enemy  advanced  with  a 
brigade  of  infantry  an<l  artillery,  in  line  of  battle,  with  a  heavy  force 
of  cavalry  on  their  flanks.  When  they  arrived  within  about  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  (^50)  yards,  we  opened  upon  them  a  heavy  fire  of  small 
arms  and  artillery,  with  excellent  eff'ect,  killing  and  wounding  large 
numbers.     After  an .  engagement  of  about  thirty  (30)  minutes,  they 


333 

turned  and  left  the  field,  and  have  not  since  advanced  any    further 
from  Murfreesboro',  on  this  road. 

During  the  many  engagements  incident  to  the  battle  of  Murfrees- 
boro',  I  take  pleasure  in  commending  the  gallantry  and  good  soldierly 
conduct  of  Colonel  Allen,  Captain  Elmore,  and  Lieutenant  Ledyard, 
of  the<fir!^t  Alabama,  and  Major  Prentice  and  Captain  McCann,  who 
commanded  detachments.  Colonel  Allen  an<l  Major  Prentice  were 
both  severely  wounded,  while  fighting  gallantly.  Lieutenants  Bur- 
ford  and  Waites,  of  ray  staff,  were  at  all  times  distinguished  for  gal- 
lantry, zeal  and  efficiency,  and  were  both  wounded. 

Very  respectfully,  Colonel,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOSEPH  WHEELER, 
Major  General  nnd  Chief  of  Cavalry . 


'     REl»ORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  WHITE. 

Headquarters  Cavalry  Diimktmknt,  No.  2, 

January  29,  1863.  ^ 
Colonel  T.  B.  Kov,  Clwf  of  Staff  : 

Coi.onfl:  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  the  cavalry  of  Liuutenant 
General  Hdrdcc's  corps,  under  ray  command,  engaged  the  enemy  as 
they  advanced  upon  the  Naahviile  and  Murfreesboro'  pike,  and  on 
the  adjoining  approaches,  from  the  morning  of  the  2Gth  ultimo  to  the 
evening  of  the  29th  At  midnight,  on  the  night  of  the  2Uth  ultimo, 
I  proceeded  with  the  command  across  the  west  fork  of  Stone  river,  by 
way  of  the  Lebanon  road,  hence  by  a  circuitous  route  to  Jefferson, 
where,  at  about  9,  A.  M.,  on  the  3llth,  we  attacked,  captured  and  de- 
Rtroved  an  entire  brigade  train.  We  then  proceeded  ^towards  La- 
vergne,  capturing  a  party  sent  out  after  horses  and  mules,  and  also  a 
foraging  party.  We  attacked  Lavergne  about  one,  P.  M.,  capturing 
ttbout  five  hundred  prisoners,  two  hundred  stand  of  arms,  and  the  re- 
serve wagon  trains  of  the  enemy  ;  the  wagons  wore  destroyed.  We 
then  proceeded  to  Rock  Spring,  capturing  a  brigade  train,  which  we 
destroyed,  with  its  equipage.  We  theu  proceeded  to  Nolcnsville, 
capturing  a  train,  and  about  two  hundred  prisoners  and  two  hundred 
stand  of  arms.  We  then  made  a  oiicuit  around  Triune,  and  the  not 
morning  attacked  the  enemy  stationed  on  the  Nashville  and  Murfrees- 
boro' {)ike,  iiorth  of  Overalls  creek.  We  then  moved  down  towards 
Murfroe=boro',  «.nd  again  attacked  them  south  of  Overall's  creek, 
driving  the  enemy  for  a  distance  of  two  miles  from  the  Wilkinson 
pike,  to  the  Nashville  pike,  engaging  their  infantry  and  cavalry  until 
dark.      We  then  Avithdrew  to  our  po.iition  on  the  left  of  our  wing. 

At  diiylight  we  proceeded  again  to  Lavergne,  in  the  enemy's  rear, 
attacked  a  large  train,  burne(i  several  waguns,  and  captured  many 
prisoners.  We  theu  received  orders  to  neturn  to  the  army,  where  we 
arrived  at  about  two  o'clock  the  next  morning,  and  placed  our  pickets 
out  to  the  front.  We  remained  in  this  position  until  dark,  when  we 
moved  again  to  Antioch,  capturing  a  few  wagons,  and  at  about  three 
o'clock,  J'.  M.,  attacked  a  large  train  on  Cox's  hill.  After  capturing 
the  train  and  injuring  some  of  the  wagons,  four  regiments  of  infan- 
try attacked  us,  and  we  were  obliged  to  retire.  1  then  received  orders 
to  return,  and  arrived  at  my  old  stand  on  the  left  of  our  wing  at 
about  four  o'clcck  on  Sunday  morning,  January  3d.  As  our  army 
had  retired,  I  removed  over  the  river,  and  remaimd  in  Murfreesboro' 
tbfct  day.  Towards  evening  I  skirmished  with  the  enemy,  and  with- 
drew my  pickets  three  miles  at  daylight  the  next  morning.  At  three 
o'clock,  P.  M  ,  Monday,  the  enemy  advanced  and  engaged  us  warmly. 
The  enemy  did  not'advance  any  further.  On  the  8th  January  I 
moved  over  to  the  Cumberland,  and  a  detachment  under  Captain  Mc- 
Cann  destroyed  the  railroad  bridge  over  Mill  creek,  and  a  construc- 
tion train.  On  the  12th  we  drove  in  a  large  foraging  party  to  Nash- 
ville and  on  the  13th. and  14th  we  captured  agunboat  and  four  trans- 


o-ii) 


ports.  We  also  destroyed  a  large  amount  of  stores  at  Ashland,  which 
the  enemy  had  left  under  guard,  but  the  guard  ran  off  as  ive  ap- 
proached. Many  other  transports  threw  off  a  great  part  of  their 
cargo  to  avoid  capture.  On  the  25th  we  captured  a  construction  train 
near  Antioch.  A  detachment  under  Major  Holman  captured  another 
transport  on  the  17th 

Respectfully,  Colonel,  your  6bedicnt  servant, 

JAS.   WHITE,  '3Iajor  General 


REPORT  OF  BRTGADIEFl  GENERAL  L.  E.  POLK. 

IIeadql'artkrs  Tolk's  Briuade, 
January   X'ithy    1863. 

Captain  J.  A.  Buck,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  circular,  January  lOth,  18U3,  I  submit  the 
following  report  of  the  operations  of  my  brigade  in  the  battle  before 
Murfreesboro'. 

My  brigade  was  arranged  in  the  following  order  from  left  to  right : 
Fifth  Confederate,  first  Arkansas,  second  Tennessee,  fifth  Tennessee, 
thirteenth  and  fifteenth  Arkansas  regiments. 

On  the  evening  of  the  3(lth  of  December,  1S62,  I  received  orders 
from  the  division  commander  to  move  my  brigade  from  ii8  position, 
the  extreme  right  of  our  line  of  battle,  across  Stone's  river  to  the 
left  of  General  Cheatham's  division.  This  having  been  accomplished 
by  nine  o'clock  at  night,  1  remained  in  line  of  battle  until  nearly 
seven  o'clock  on  the  morning  of"  the  31st.  At  that  time  I  again 
received  orders  from  the  division  cominamier  to  wheel  uiy  command 
to  the  right,  keeping  the  right  connected  with  General  Cheatham's 
left.  General  Cheatham's  division  not  moving  at  the  same  moment, 
I  found  if  I  attempted  to  keep  with  his  line  I  should  become  separated 
from  th'i  division,  tiien  advancing.  General  Wood,  about  this  time 
have  been  ordered  to  my  right  by  Lieutenant  General  ILirdee,  and 
General  (Jheatham  having  commenced  to  move  up,  I  continued  my 
move,  gaining  ground  slightly  to  the  left. 

About  half-past  seven  o'clock  and  before  I  had  moved  more  than 
seven  Imndred  yards,  I  received  word  from  Colonel  Hill  that  my  right 
had  couiuicnced  to  engage <  the  enemy  in  a  grove  of  cedajs  near  the 
old  Franklin  dirt  road.  I  did  not  believe  at  first  that  the  enemy 
could  be  so  near  us,  having  Understood  that  we  were  supporting  Gen- 
eral McCown.  Riding  to  the  place,  I  was  received  by  a  volley  from 
the  enemy,  resulting  in  the  severe  wounding  of  my  orderly,  Mike 
Connell.  In  a  few  moments  my  entire  line  advanced  across  the 
Franklin  dirt  road,  entered  the  cedar  brake,  and  engaged  the  enemy  all 
along  ttic  line.  In  a  very  shot  time,  by  the  aid  of  Captain  Calvert's 
battery,  we  succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  out  of  the  cedars,  in  great 
confusion  Here  Major  Carlton,  Captain  Dixon,  and  Lieutenant 
Pierce,  fifteenth  Arkansas*  regiment,  were  wounded  while  gallantly 
leading  their  men.  Following  them  closely  as  we  could,  we  encoun- 
tered them  again,  in  a  woods  pasture  immediately  in  our  front  in  the 
direction  of  Wilkinson's  cross-roads  pike.  After  a  few  moments'  fight- 
ing, we  succeeded  in  breaking  their  lines,  and  again  they  fell  back  in 
much  confusion.  From  this  position,  after  having  reformed  my  line,  I 
advanced  in  a  line  parallel  to  Wilkinson's  pike.  General  Wood  on 
my  right  and  General  Johnson  on  my  left,  en  echelon,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  seventeenth  Tennessee  regiment,  which  was  in  advance 
ef    his    (Johnson's)    brigade,  advancing    through    the   pasture,    the 


337 

?nemy  were  seen  posted  across  an  open  field,  near  one  of  their  !iog- 
pitals  and  only  a  few  hundred  yards  of  the  pike.  My  brigade  wia 
"obliged  to  move  across  this  open  field,  with  the  enemy's  artillery  and 
infantry  playinjt  upon  them.  This  they  did  raost  gallantly,  causing 
the  enemy  to  fall  back  across  the  pike  under  heavy  undergrowth  of 
of  cedars,  getting  possession  at  this  place  of  four  or  five  ordnance 
wagons,  which  were  sent  to  the  rear.  I  again  moved  on,  but 
did  not  proceed  far  when  the'  enemy's  batteries,  posted  across  a 
corn  field  on  the  right  of  the  pike,  commenced  playing  fciirfully  upon 
my  ranks.  Here  Captain  Moore,  second  Tennessee,  was  killed  and 
many  other  officers  of  that  regiment.      See  Robinson's  report. 

The  battery  was  so  placed,  by   moving    straight   forward,   my   lino 
would  have  been  enfiladed.     To  prevent  this,  my  brigade  was  v/hee!ed 
to  the  right.     At  this  time,  Capt   Hotchkiss  sending  me  word  that  ho 
had  three  batteries  that  required  supporting,  I  left  two  of  ray*sraallc3t 
regiments  and  moved  the  rest  further  to  the  left,  for  the  purpose  it' 
trying  to  move  the  enemy's  batteries.    The  fifth  Confederate  here  first 
engaged  the  infantry  supporting  these  batteries,  and  in  a  few  momenta 
the  first  Arkansas  arriving  in   position,  their  infantry  gave  way  and 
their  batteries  changed  their  position,  with  the  exception  of  four  guns 
that  fell  into  the  hands  flf  the  fifth  (Jonfederate  and  first  Arkansas,  v/hich 
in  the  eagerness  of  pursuit  were  passed  over.   From  this  place  I  moved 
on  with  my  brigade.     The   regiments  left  in  support  of  the  batteries 
having  come  up  and  discovered  the  enemy  again  prepared  to  make  a 
stand,  having  taken  a  strong  position  on  a  cedar  hill,  with  rockg  so 
placed  by  nature  as  to   afford   great   protection.     The  enemy  in  this 
place  made  a  most  obstinate  stand,  and  it  was  only  after  a  bloody  fl^r.t 
and  one  repulse,  we    succeeded  in   moving  them.     Here  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Daniel   McGregor,   first   Arkansas,   was   mortally  woundel, 
General  Johnson  at  this  time   was  on   my  right.     Moving  from  that 
position,  I  found    several   batteries  of  the  enemy  posted  on  the  nA 
road  near  the   Nashville  turnpike.     Thinking    I   might   sJcceed  by 
going  to  the  left   in    capturing   them,   I  moved  from  here — Gener'^Js 
Johnson's  and  Preston  Smith's  brigades  on  my  left,  and  General  Lil- 
dell's  brigade  to  the  left  of  Johnson's.     We  did  not  go  far  before  we 
discovered  the  enemy  half  advanced  across  an  open  field  in  our  frcnt, 
in  good  and  strong  line  of  battle.     It   required   the   work  of  only  a 
few  moments  to  break   their    line    and   drive   them  back  in  the  cedar 
brakes,  to  the   right  of  a  small  dirt  road  running  parallel  to  tho  rail- 
road.      We   pushed    on   after   them   and   had    reached    the    cedars 
and   gotten    almost   in    rear   of    their   battlries  near    the   railroad, 
when,  in  turn,  we  were  driven  back  in  great  confusion,  and  with  the 
heaviest  loss  we   had  sustained  during  the  day,  their  batteries  noar 
the  railroad  and  infantry  making  fearful  havoc   in   our  ranks  as  we 
retreated.     Here  Adjutant   Smith,  of  the  fifth  Confederate  regimer^t, 
fell,  badly,  if  not   mortally  wounded,  cheering   his  men  and  bearing 
the  colors  of  his  regiment    in  advance.     Most  of  my  brigade  wero 
rallied  on  the  slope  of  a  hill  in   a  woods  grove  near  the  place.     We 
remained  for  two  days  in  line  of  battle.     Others  could  not  be  stopp«i 
until  they  reached  the  turnpike.     My  men,  at  the  time  they  wero  re- 
22 


338 

pulsed,  were  much  jaded,  having  been  fighting  since  early  in  tho 
looming  without  any  rest,  and  had  nearly  exhausted  their  ammuni- 
tion. As  soon  as  ammunition  could  be  furnished,  gave  the  men  a  full 
pujifly  and  moved  my  men  in  the  woods  and  took  position  en  echelon  on 
the  left  from  General  Preston's  brigade.  In  this  position  I  received 
ciders  from  General  Cleburne  to  take  my  position  on  the  right  of  his 
Hlc  of  battle.  I  hope  it  will  not  be  out  of  place  for  me  to  remark  here, 
that  I  believe  that  if,  between  the  hours  of  twelve  and  two  o'clock, 
we  cculd  have  been  reinforced  and  rested  by  another  line  of  battle, 
that  wc  could  have  succeeded  in  getting  possession  cf  the  railroad 
and  Nashville  turnpike,  thereby  cutting  their  lines  of  communication 
and  getting  directly  in  their  rear.  I  remained  in  line  of  battle  until 
the  night  of  the  2d  of  January,  my  advanced  sentinels  being  engaged 
in  skirmishing  with  the  enemy  night  and  day.  About  ten  o'clock  of  this 
night  tht  enemy  made  a  sudden  dash  in  heavy  line  of  skirmishers 
supported  by  a  line  of  battle  upon  my  advanced  line  of  sentinels. 

\u  this  attack  J  would  fail  in  my  duty  if  I  did  not  mention  the  gal- 
lant behavior  of  Captain  Osborne,  fifteenth  Arkansas,  and  Major  Per- 
sons, fifth  Confederate  regiment.  He  was  repulsed  with  considerable 
loss  ;  how  great  I  cannot  say,  as  before  morning  I  was  ordered  to 
move  my  brigade  to  its  old  position  back  acros»  Stone's  river  to  the 
place  I  occupied  on  the  morning  of  the  30th  of  December.  My 
brigade  was  not  again  under  fire,  and  on  Saturday  night,  the  3d  of 
January,  1863,  I  moved  on  the  Manchester  pike. 

I  with  pleasure  refer  to  the  bearing  of  the  oflScers  and  men  of  my 
brigade  Colonel  Colquitt,  first  Arkansas  ;  Colonel  Robinson, 
second  Tennessee,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hall,  second  Tennessee 
regiments,  were  conspicuous  among  those  who  distinguished  them- 
selves. Colonel  Hill,  fifth  Tennessee,  and  Colonel  Smith,  fifth  Con- 
federate regiments,  acted  with  great  courage  and  judgment.  I  recom- 
mend both  of  those  gallant  oflBcers  to  your  favorable  notice  as  deserv- 
ing of  ptomotion.  I  refer  you  to  the  colonels'  reports  of  other 
officers  who  acted  with  great  gallantry.  My  thanks  are  due  to  Cap- 
tain W.  A.  King  and  Captain  II.  S.  Otey,  of  my  staflf,  for  the  assist- 
ance they  gave  me  upon  the  field. 

I  carried  in  the  fight,  in  round  numbers,  thirteen  hundred  and 
forty-three  (1,343.)  My  loss,  killed,  30;  wounded,  298;  missing, 
18;  total,  346. 

LUCIUS  E.  POLK, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  BUFORD. 

Headquarters  Bl'ford's  Cavalry  Brigade, 
Camp  near  Beech   Grove,  Junwny    II,    1863., 

To  General  CommandingI Armv, 

Through  Colond  G.    IV.  Brent,  A.  A.   G.  : 

General  :  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  forward  report  of  my  brig.*- 
ade  during  the  battle  of  Murfreesboro'.  My  brigade  was  composed 
of  Colonel  Smith's  regiment,  (assigned  for  duty  with  Colonel. 
Grigsby's,)  numbering  two  hundred  and  twenty  effective  men  ;  Colo- 
nel Grigsby's  regiment,  two  hundred  and  thirty  ;  and  Colonel  Butler,, 
one  hundred  and  eighty  men  ;  in  all  six  hundred  ami  thirty-one 
effective  men. 

In  accordance  with  orders  from  the   General  commanding,  I  moved; 
to  the  river,  eighteen  miles  southwest  of  Murfreesboro",  on  the  SheL- 
byville -and  Nashville  pike,  where  I   remained   until   Wednesday,  the-- 
3 1  St.      Having  received  an  ortler  froni  General  Bragg  to  move  up  on 
the  enemy's  flank  and  be  ready  for  a  vigorous  pursuit,  (delivered   at 
two  o'clock  on    Tuesday  night,  the    3ilth,)    I    moved   at    daylight  on 
Wednesday  morning,  the  31st,  and  reached  the  battle  field  at   twtdve 
o'clock,  M.,  taking  position  on  the  extreme  left.     I  there  joined  Gen- 
eral   Wheeler,  and,  in  concert    with  him,  moved  rapidly  along  the 
enemy's  flank,  my  brigade  being  in    the    advance,  until  we  encoun- 
tered   a    force    of    the    enemy,  consisting  of  artillery,  infantry  and; 
cavalry,  escorting  a  large  wagon  train,  the   enemy   occupying  quite 
a  strong  position  on  a  hill  near  Miller's.     I  immediately  disposed  my 
command  for  an   attack,  threw  forward  Captain  Shank's  company  of" 
Colonel  Grigsby's  regi;iV>nt  as  skirmishers,  and  formed  the  brigade  in. 
line  of  battle — Colonel  Butler  on  the  right,  threatening*  the  eneinj'a. 
flank;   and  Colonel  Grigsby  on  the  left,  in  front  of  the  enemy's  lines.. 
The  attack  was  opened  by  our  skirmishers,  the   enemy   replying  vvith. 
artillery.     After  firing  a  few  rounds,  I  received  an  order  irom  Gen- 
eral AVheeler  to  withdraw  my  brigade.     In  this   skirLaisJi,  I'  lost  one 
man  (private  of  Colonel  Butler's  regiment)  killed  and  three  wounded,, 
two  horses  killed  and  two  disabled.     We   captured  some  thirty  pris- 
oners, who  were  paroled  on  the  field. 

Having  withdrawn  my  force  in  good  order,  and  acting  in  conjunc- 
tion with  General  Wheeler,  I  moved  back   on  the  right,  towards  and 
on  the  Wilkinson  pike,  on  the  left  bank  of  Overall's  creek,  near  Mrs. 
Washington's.     Here  we  found  the  enemy  posted  on   the   right'  bank. 
of  the  creek,  under  cover  of  the  woods.      General   Wheeler  attacked, 
them  on  the  right  bank,  and  I  immediately  drew  up  Colonel  Grigsby's- 
regiment,  holding  Colonel  Butler's  in   reserve,  on   the   right  flank  of/" 
the   enemy,  crossed   the   creek,  charged   the   enemy,  and   drove   him. 
back,  with  severe  loss,  upon  the  lines  of  his   heavy   infantry.     Mj 
Io88  here  was  two  commissioned  officers,  Major  Cheuowith  and  Captain: 


d40 

William  Campbell,  and  six  privates  "wounded.     "VVe  captured  some  ten 
or  fifteen  priponcrs,  who  were  paroled  on  tlie  field. 

Night  coming  on,  my  brigade  was  withdrawn  from  the  field,  re- 
ceiving orders  to  move  the  next  day,  Thursday,  in  conjunction  with 
Generals  Wheeler  and  Wharton,  to  the  rear  of  the  enemy.  Uniting 
my  brigade  with  theirs,  I  marched  to  Lavcrgne,  co-operating  with 
them  in  capturing  ami  destroying  a  large  number  of  wa^on?,  laden 
with  commissary  and  quartermaster  stores,  and  taking  a  large  number 
of  prisoners.  IS  inety-five  of  the  twenty-second  Indiana  infantry  came 
out  and  voluntarily  surrendered  to  Lieutenajit  D.  E.  Myers,  who  was 
alone  a  short  distance  in  front  of  his  command.  I  returned  the  next 
morning  (Friday)  to  my  original  position  on  the  left  of  our  line  of 
battle,  near  Mrs.  Washington's,  and  remained  there  during  the  day, 
with  no  material  results.  At  nine  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  was  ordered 
again  to  co-operate  with  General  Wheeler,  in  rear  of  the  enemy,  and 
moved  at  once.  We  encountered  the  enemy  near  Cox's  hill,  about 
eight  miles  from  Nashville,  on  the  Nashville  and  Murfreesboro'  pike. 
My  brigade  being  in  the  rear,  found,  on  arriving,  that  General 
Wheeler  had  already  engaged  the  enemy,  who  was  drawn  up  along 
the  pike,  his  cavalry  opposite  the  right  wing  of  my  brigade,  which  I 
had  moved  into  a  corn  field  adjoining  the  pike.  Receiving  an  order 
from  General  Wheeler  to  move  back  to  the  woodland  skirting  the 
field,  I  did  so,  to  support  the  attack  in  which  he  was  engaged.  I 
drew  up  the  brigade,  dismounted  them  to  act  as  skirmishers,  prepara- 
tory to  an  -attack  on  the  enemy's  left.  Before  engaging,  I  was  or- 
dered by  General  Wheeler  to  withdraw  my  command,  as  he  had  been 
ordered  to  return  immediately  to  Murfreesboro'.  I  returned  that 
(Saturday)  night  to  my  original  position  on  the  left  of  our  line  of 
battle,  near  Mrs.  Washington's,  and  remained  there  until  sunrise 
Sunday  morning,  when  a  dispatch  from  General  Wheeler  informed 
me  that  the  army  had  commenced  a  retreat.  I  fell  back  to  Murfrees- 
boro', and  retired  on  the  Shelbyville  pike,  in  rear  of  the  army.  I 
take  pleasure*  in  calling  the  attention  of  the  commanding  General  to 
the  good  conduct  and  military  bearing  of  most  of  the  ofiicers  and  men 
of  my  command,  and  particularly  to  the  gallant  conduct  of  Major  J, 
Q.  Chenowith  of  General  Butler's  regiment,  who  was  on  duty  as  a 
member  of  my  staff;  and  to  Captain  J.  M.  Telford,  and  Lieu- 
tenant- D.  E.  Myers,  of  Colonel  Smith's  regiment,  whenever  on  duty 
with  Colonel  J.  Warren  Grigsby's  regiment  during  the  engagement 
of  Wednesday  evening.  My  thanks  are  due  to  the  officers  acting  on 
my  staff  for  the  efficient  aid  rendered  me  during  the  engagement. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  BUFORD, 
Brigadier  General  Provisional  Army, 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PRESTON. 

Headquarters  Preston's  Brigade,      ) 
Breckinridge^ s  division,  A.  T.,  Jan.  12,  1863.  J 

Colonel  Theo.  O'Hara,  A.  A.  A.  General : 

Colonel  :  In  obedience  to  the  orders  of  Major  General  Breckin- 
ridge, I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  a  report  of  the  operations  of  the 
brigade  under  my  command,  in  the  battles  near  Murfreesboro'.  The 
twentieth  Tennessee,  the  sixtieth  North  Carolina,  the  fourth  Florida, 
and  the  first  and  third  Florida  regiments,  Avith  Wright's  battery  of 
four  pieces,  constituted  my  command,  numbering  sixteen  hundred  and 
forty  effective  men. 

The  enemy  having  advanced  in  force  against  Murfreesboro',  dispo- 
sitions for  battle  were  made,  and  Breckinridge's  division  was  posted 
on  the  the  extreme  right,  in  our  front  line,  Avith  its  right  near  Spence's 
house,  on  the  Labanon  turnpike,  extending  tov.ards  the  ford  where  the 
Nashville  turnpike  crosses  Stone's  river..  Adams'  brigade  was  on  the 
right,  mine  next,  and  Palmer's  and  Hanson's  extended  westwardly  to- 
wards the  ford. 

This  position  was  occupied  from  Sunday  morning,  the  28th  of  De- 
cember, with  some  few  unimportant  changes  in  our  line  of  battle,  un- 
til the  succeeding  Wednesday.  On  that  daj',  not  long  after  noon,  we 
were  ordered  to  cross  the  river  at  the  ford,  and  under  the  supervision 
of  Major  General  Breckinridge,  my  brigade  on  the  right,  and  that  of 
Palmer's  on  my  left,  were  formed  in  line  of  battle  on  the  ground 
originally  occupied  by  Lieutenant  Genei-al  Polk's  command.  The  right 
of  my  brigade  rested  near  the  intersection  of  the  Nashville  railroad 
and  turnpike,  and  extended  nearly  at  right  angles  westwardly,  about 
half  a  mile  south  of  Cowan's  or  the  burnt  house. 

These  dispositions  made,  the  order  was  given  to  advance  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  burnt  house  towards  a  cedar  forest  beyond.  Wide  and 
open  fields  intervened,  through  which  the  command  passed,  with  great 
animation,  in  fine  order.  As  we  came  near  the  farm  house,  heavy 
batteries  of  the  enemy,  supported  by  strong  lines  of  infantry  near  a 
railroad  embankment,  forming  a  strong  defence,  were  visibl3  obliquely 
to  the  right  on  the  northeast  of  the  Nashville  turnpike.  The  brigade 
advanced  rapidly  and  steadily  under  a  destructive  fire  from  the  artil- 
lery. The  twentieth  Tennessee,  passing  to  the  right  of  the  house, 
engaged  the  enemy  with  vigor  oii  the  right  in  some  woods  near  the 
river,  capturing  some  twenty-five  prisoners,  and  cleaning  the  woods. 

The  first  and  third  Florida,  on  the  extreme  left,  pressed  forward  to 
the  cedar  forest,  with  but  little  loss,  *  The  two  central  regiments,  the 
sixtieth  North  Carolina  and  fourth  Florida,  found  great  difficulty  in 
pressing  through  the  ruins  and  strong  enclosures  of  the  farm  house, 
and  retarded  by  these  obstacles  and  by  n  fire  from  the  enemy's  sharp- 
shooters in  front,  and  a  very  fierce  cannonade,  partially  enfilading 


342 

their  lines,  were  for  a  rncnient  thrown  into  confusion  at  the  verge  of 
the  wood. 

They  halted  and  commenced  firing,  but  being  urged  furward,  tliey 
rcppcndcd  with  loud  shouts  and  gained  the  cedars,  Tli<^  fncmy  turned 
upon  the  wood  a  heavy  fire  from  many  pieces  of  artillery,  across  a 
fitdd  four  or  five  hundred  yards  distant,  and  though  we  lost  some  valu- 
able lives,  the  brigade  maintained  its  position  with  firmness  in  the 
edge  of  the  woo<l. 

Having  met  Lieutenant  General  Ilardc^.he  ordered  me  with  Adam's 
brigade,  under  Colonel  Gibson,  added  to  my  command,  to  hold  the 
■wood. 

We  bivouacked  for  the  night,  establishing  our  pickets  far  in  the 
field,  and  very  near  the  enemy.  The  twentieth  Tennessee,  Avhich  had» 
been  di^^cted  by  Captain  Woolley,  A.  A.  General,  near  the  river, 
finding  their  force  insufFicient  to  advance,  after  losing  many  men,  halted 
in  good  order,  and  rejoined  the  biigade  at  nightfall,  in  the  cedars. 
Wright's  battery  having  been  detached  by  General  Hardee,  took  no 
part  in  the  action.  At  roll  call,  about  dark,  it  was  ascertained  that 
the  loss  suffered  by  my  command  was  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  killed 
and  wounded. 

The  companies  of  the  sixtieth  North  Carolina,  under  the  immediate 
command  of  Colonel  McDowell,  were  with  me,  but  those  separated 
from  his  regiment  in  passing  the  burnt  house,  to  which  I  have  alluded, 
fell  back  without  orders,  to  the  encampment,  with  the  exception  of 
some  of  the  men  and  officers  who  joined  the  twentieth  Tennessee  regi- 
ment, and  who  did  not  rejoin  their  regiment  till  after  night.  Some 
few  prisoners  were  taken,  and  four  or  five  hundred  stands  of  arms 
were  secured. 

On  Friday,  about  two  o'clock,  the  two  brigades  under  my  command 
were  withdrawn  from  the  cedars,  and  ordered  to  take  position  in  line 
of  battle  across  the  river  near  the  original  post  of  Hanson's  brigade. 
This  being  done,  preparations  for  an  attack  were  made,  and  Major 
General  Breckinridge  formed  his  division  in  two  lines — Pillow's  and 
Hanson's  brigades  being  on  the  front  line,  with  mine,  two  hundred 
yards  in  the  rear  of  Pillow's,  to  support  his  command,  and  Gibson's 
on. my  left  to  support  Hanson's. 

About  four  o'clock,  the  ord6r  to  advance  beinir  ffiven,  the  division 
moved  forward  rapidly  through  a  wood  and  an  open  field  beyond  to 
drive  the  enemy  beyond  the  river,  and  seize  a  hill  that  would  enable 
our  artillery  to  enfilade  in  reverse  their  batteries^  As  soon  as  the 
field  was  entered,  the  engagement  commenced,  and  our  men,  pressing 
forward  with  great  ardor,  drove  the  §nemy  over  the  crest  of  the  hill 
and  beyond  the  river. 

Wright's  battery  was  advanced  to  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  was  soon 
hotly  engaged. 

On  our  right,  the  enemy  far  out-flanked  us,  and  the  twentieth  Ten- 
nessee suffered  severely,  but  dashed  forward  into  the  woods  Avith  its 
accustomed  gallantry,  and  drove  the  enemy  down  the  hill,  capturing 
some  two  hundred  prisoners.  *  (A  division  of  the  enemy,  said  to  be 
that  of  Vancleve,  was  driven  down  the  hill  side  in  utter  rout,  by  our 


343 

division.)  The  enemy  then  rapidly  concentrated  large  numbers  of 
fresh  troops  on  the  other  side  of  the  river,  and  poured  upon  ourdtnse 
ranks  a  withering  fire  of  musketry  and  artillery.  Our  lines,  originally 
very  close  in  the  order  of  advance,  were  commingled  near  the  river, 
and  this  new  fire  from  an  overwhelming  force  from  the  opposite  banks 
of  the  stream,  threw  them  into  disorder. 

The  division  recoiled  over  the  field  in  the  direction  of  the  wood 
through  which  we  first  pas.^ed.  (When  withdrawing  from  the  fuld,  I 
met  Brigadier  General  Wharton  with  his  battery,  and  the  cavalry,  with 
which  he  was  covering  our  right^He  was  about  opening  fire  with  the 
battery,  when  I  advised  him  not  to  do  so,  as  he  might  fire  on  some  of 
our  men.  He  detached  Colonel  Harrison,  of  the  Texas  rangers,  who 
with  my  brigade  formed,  and  supported  Robertson's  battery  in  the 
verge  of  the  wood,  till  General  Breckinridge  ordei'ed  me  to  re<um-3 
my  original  line.)  One  of  our  batteries  opened  from  its  verge,  and 
I  succeeded  in  forming  my  brigade  for  its  support,  and  was  m  that 
position  when  Major  General  Breckinridge  arrived  and  ordered  me  to 
resume  our  original  lines,  about  a  mile  in  the  rear,  as  night  had  come. 
The  loss  sustained  by  my  command  in  this  action,  was  two  hundred 
and  ninety-five  killed  and  wounded,  and  ninety  missing,  most  of  whom 
were  doubtless  killed  or  wounded.  The  total  loss  of  my  command  in 
both  actions,  was  five  hundred  and  thirty-seven. 

Wright's  battery  was  bravely  fought,  but  lost  its  gallant  commander, 
who  was  killed  at  his  guns.  Lieutenant  Mebane,  though  woundel, 
succeeded  in  withdrawing  all  of  the  battery  except  two  pieces,  which 
were  lost,  and  which  could  not  be  got  off,  as  many  of  the  horses  were 
killed  For  other  details,  I  refer  to  the  reports  of  the  commanding 
officers  of  the  regiments  and  of  the  battery,  which  I  enclose. 

During  the  battles,  both  men  and  officers  displayed  great  intrepi'li- 
ty,  and  I  attribute  the  repulse  on  Friday,  to  the  manifest  hopelessness 
of  the  attempt  to  hurl  a  single  division  without  support  against  the 
cardinal  position  of  the  whole  hostile  army.  This  wa3  apparent  to  the 
least  intelligent  soldier.  The  line  fell  back,  rsfUicd,  and  in  half  an  hour 
was  ready  to  re-engage.  In  rallying  the  troops,  I  feel  it  my  duty  to 
notice  and  report  the  conspicious  zeal  and  gallantry  displayed  hy  your- 
self, and  to  testify  my  appreciation  of  the  valuable  assistance  you  ren- 
dered on  the  field.  Colonel  Smith,  of  the  twentieth  Tennessee,  a 
brave  and  skillful  officer,  was  severely  wounded  on  Wednesday,  and 
the  command  devolved  on  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lavender,  who  has  net 
been  heard  of  since  the  action  on  Friday.  It  is  believed  that  he  is 
wounded  or  a  prisoner.  Colonel  Miller,  of  the  first  and  third  Florida, 
was  wounded  on  Friday  while  bravely  leading  his  regiment,  v/hieh  he 
withdrew,  retaining  the  command,  notwithstanding  his  wound.  The 
fourth  Florida,  in  both  actions,  bore  itself  ;]rallantlv,  and  was  -tly' 
commanded  by  Colonel  Bowen. 

In  the  action  of  the  81st,  Lieutenant  Edwin  Whitfield,  of  my  staff, 
was  severely  if  not  fatally  wounded-,  by  my  side,  while  gallantly  ren- 
dering me  the  most  efficient  aid;  and  Mr  Orville  Ewing,  a  young  gen- 
tleman of  great  promise,  distinguished  in  the  battle  of  Mill  Spring-*, 
was  killed  nearly  at  the  same  moment.     Major  J.  C.  Thompson,  vol- 


344 

ui.leer  aid,  and  Captain  Woollcy,  A,  A.  General,  assisted  nie  efficiently 
on  Wednesday.  ]Mr.  Chauibliss,  acting  A.  A.  General,  Captain  Wal- 
lac;.-  and  Lieutenant  Wheeler,  assisted  me  on  Frid:ty,  on  my  stuft'.  To 
Major  Claybrooke,  who  volunteered  on  my  staff  on  Friday,  I  am  grjjatly 
infk-lted  for  his  services. 

I  recommend,  for  promotion,  sergeant  Battle,  for  conspicuous 
gall  ui try.  After  four  color  bearers  of  the  twetitieth  Tennessee, 
had  been  shot  down,  and  the  regiment  was  in  confusion,  he  seized  the 
cclo:s  and  bravely  rallied  the  men  under  my  eye. 

I  remain,  Colonel,  with  grefit^spcct,  your  obedient  servant, 

WR^KESTON,  BHgadier  GeneraL 


REPORT'  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  STEWART. 

Headquarters  Sf.cond  Brigade,  ^ 
First  Division  relic's  Corps,  Army  of  Tennessee,       > 

January    13,    1863.  } 

Captain  John  Ingram,  A.  A.   G.  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  lo  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  this  brigade  in  the  military  operations  in  front  of  Murfrees- 
boro',  Tennessee,  commencing  on  Monday,  December  29,  186^,  and 
closing  on  Sunday,  January  4,  1863  : 

The  brigade  was  composed  of  the  fourth  and  fifth  Tennessee  regi- 
ments, Colonel    II.  L.  W.  Biatton  ;   the   thirty-first   and  thirty-third 
Tennessee  regiments,  anuilgamated  and  commanded  by  Colonel  E.  E 
Tansil ;  the  nineteenth  Tennessee   regiment,  Colonel   ¥.   M.  Walker, 
and  Captain  T.  J.  Stamford's  Misdssippi  battery. 

We  struck  tents,  packed  up  baggage  and  sent  the  Wiigons  to  the 
rear  on  Sunday  night,  December  2Sth.  Early  ^londay  morning  we 
crossed  Stone  river,  and  formed  line  of  battle  on  its  north  bank,  being 
on  the  left  of  Donelson  and  right  of  Maney,  the  right  of  the  brigade 
being  some  distance  on  the  left  of  the 'Wilkinson  pike.  An  open 
country  lay  in  front  of  the  line,  excepting  on  the  left,  where  Walker's 
regiment  was  covered  by  the  open  forest.  From  eight  hundred  to 
one  thousand  yards  in  front  of  us  la}'  tlie  first  line,  Major  General 
Withers'  division,  our  division  forming  the  second  and  supporting 
line.  Nothin-g  of  special  interest  occurred  on  Monday.  On  Tues- 
day morning  a  few  shells  from  the  enemy  passed  over  and  near  to  us, 
wounding  one  man  in  Bratton's  regiment ;  and  late  in  the  evening 
we  were  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire  for  some  half  hour  or  more,  but 
without  injury. 

In  the  course  of  the  afternoon  of  Tuesday,  an  ofl^cer  came  from 
Colonel  Manigault,  of  the  tenth  South  Carolina,  who  commanded  the 
third  brigade  from  the  right  in  Withers'  division.  lie  stated  that 
Colonel  Manigault  was  in  need  of  a  section  of  long  range  gun's  to 
dislodge  guns  of  the  enemy,  he  having  only  smooth  bores  of  short 
range,  and  that  he  had  applied  to  General  Maney,  whose  brigade  Avas 
the  support  of  Mauigault's,  Avho  replied  that  he  had  none  suitable  for 
the  purpose.  He  came  to  me,  therefore,  for  a  section  of  Stamford's 
battery.  Knowing  that  Stamford  and  his  officers  and  men  were 
always  ready  to  go  wherever  needed,  two  pieces  were  promptly  des- 
patched, in  charge  of  Lieutenant  Hardin.  On  their  return,  I  was 
informed  they  were  not  properly  supported;  that  they  were  required 
to  engage,  at  a  distance  not  exceeding  six  hundred  yards,  guns  which 
were  throwing  shell,  canister,  and  spherical  case;  that  they  accom- 
plished no  useful  purpose,  but  sustained  some  loss,  one  or  two  men 
being  wounded,  and  Lieutenant  A.  A.  Hardin,  commanding  the  sec- 
tion, a  most  estimable  and  gallant  young  oflicer,  being  killed. 

Tuesday  night,  or  early  Wednesday  mornSg,  I  received  a  copy  of 


346 

General  Brngg's  ordor  directing  an  attack  to  commence  on  tbe  left 
and  griidualiy  extend  to  the  Murfrecsboro'  and  Nashville  pike,  the 
left  wing  to  swing  round  towards  the  right  on  a  pivot  at  the  pike.  I 
was  als^o  informed,  both  by  Lieutenant  General  Polk  and  by  a  staff 
offioer  from  Major  General  Withers,  that  1  was  to  be  directv,d  by  the 
latter  and  to  obey  his  orders.  On  Wednesday  morning,  Decembfjr 
31st,  about  ftight  o'clock,  I  was  notified  to  move  forward,  gradually 
wheeling  to  the  right,  and  maintaining  a  distance  of  a  few  hundred 
yards,  supporting  distance  from  Anderson's  brigade,  Withers'  divi- 
sion. After  advancing  some  distance  directly  to  the  front  across  the 
open  field,  the  brigade  was  nioved  to  the  left  by  the  Hank,  ko  as  to 
place, the  entire  line  under  cover  of  the  forest  from  the  enemy's  artil- 
lery fire.  The  ground  over  which  we  were  then  moving  being  wet 
and  heavy,  Captain  Wilkinson  was  directed  to  take  the  Wilkinson  (or 
Wilkerson)  pike.  I  did  not  see  anything  more  of  him  for  a  day  or 
two,  they  having  doubtle-s  been  employed  elsewhere  by  the  orders  of 
some  of  my  superiors.  The  line  of  infantry  advanced  through  the 
woods,  gradually  wheeling  to  the  right,  and  occasionally  halting  to 
re-adjust  the  line,  and  maintaining  its  supporting  distance  from  An- 
derson, General  Withers  himself  being  often  with  us,  and  the  move- 
ments of  the  brigade  corresponding  to  his  wishes.  At  one  point  he 
eent  word  that  Anderson's  two  left  regiments  would  be  thrown  for- 
ward, perh.  ps,  to  attack  the  battery  that  eontiim^d  to  play  upoji  our 
advancing  line,  and  desired  me  to  throw  forward  two  regiments  in  a 
corresponding  manner.  Fearing  this  would  scatter  the  biigade  and 
produce  confusion,  it  was  suggested  to  him  that  the  entire  brigade 
had  better  be  advanced,  to  which  he  assented.  We  shortly  arrived  at 
the  stone  wall  built  by  Anderson's  men,  where  they  Were  placed  in 
line  on  Sunday,  the  2Sth.  Several  men  were  wounded  here  by  the 
■fire  of  the  enemy  in  front.  While  in  this  position  the  twenty-ninth 
and  thirtieth  Mississippi  volunteers,  belonging,  as  it  was  supposed,  to 
Anderson's  brigade,  fell  back  in  disorder,  leaving  a  large  ftumber  of 
dead  and  wounded  in  the  open  ground  beyond  the  Wilkinson  pike, 
over  which  they  had  charged.  They  were  rallied  in  uiy  rear,  chiefly 
by  Major  Finlay,  of  my  staff,  and  again  sent  forward.  The  twenty- 
nint'h  ultimately  formed  on  my  left,  where  it  remained  until  the  close 
of  the  battle,  when  it  moved  away  to  rejoin  its  biigade. 

The  brigade  moved  on  from  this  position  to  the  pike,  where  it  was 
faced  by  the  left  flank  and  marched  a  short  distance  down  the  road,  to 
bring  its  right  under  cover  of  the  woods,  where  it  moved  again  to  the 
front.  It  crossed  the  open  ground  intervening  between  the  pike  and 
the  cedar  forest  beyond,  and  advanced  to  the  relief  of  the  front  line, 
which  was  giving  way,  and  by  a  rapid  fire,  commencing  with  Walker's 
regiment,  (the  nineteenth,)  on  the  left,  and  gradually  extending  to  the 
right,  repulsed  the  onemy,  who  fl.;d  in  confusion  to  the  dense  cedar 
woods,  leaving  many  dead  and  wounded  behind.  Near  the  edge  of 
the  woods  we  came  upon  the  battery,  first  Missouri,  that  had  pre- 
viously annoyed  us  so  much,  and  which  the  enemy  wer«  now  attempt- 
ing to  remove.  Our  advance  was  so  rapid  and  the  fire  so  destructive 
that  they  were  compellel^  to  abandon  two  pieces  and  two  caissons.  We 


347 

left  them  behind,  and  pressing   rapidly  forward,    drove  the  enemy 
before  us.     They  attempted  to  make  a   stand  at  several   points,  but, 
unable  to  endure  our  fire,  were  driven  through  the   forest,  across  the 
open  field  beyond,  to  the  high  ground  in  the  vicinity  of   the  railroad. 
There  they  took  shelter,  under    the  guns  of  three  or   four  batteries, 
leaving  a  number  of  prisoners  in   our    hands,  and   many   dead   and 
wounded  scattered    through    the    wooJs    and  covering    the  open  field 
over  which  they  fled  in   double-quick  time.      These   batteries  opened 
upon  us  and  for  some  time  we  were  exposed  to  a  terrific  fire  of  shell, 
catti«ter,  and   spherical    case.     Having   no  battery   of  our  own,    and 
beiflg  nearly  out  of  ammunition,  it  was  impossible  to  proceed  further. 
Staif  oflicers  were  despatched — one  to  bring   up   Stamford's   battery, 
another  for  ammunition.     The   latter  was   soon   supplied,    but   word 
came  from    Lieutenant    General    Polk    that    Stamford  was  employed 
under  his  own  immediate    orders  and    could  not    be  spared.      While 
moving  through  the  cedar  forest  the   command  of  Brigadier  General 
Jackson    came    up    on   the  right.      The  fifth   Georgia  immediately  on 
the  right,  with  the  fourth  and  fifth    Tennessee,  advanced    beyond  the 
general  line,   and  delivered  a  heavy   and  well   sustained  fire  upon  the 
retreating  ranks    of  the    enemy,    doing    fine    execution.     About  this 
time.  Colonel  Jaques,  of  the  first  Louisiana,  rode  rapidly  up  to  Colo- 
nel Tansil  and  delivered   some  order,  which  I   did   not  hear.      Imme- 
diately Tansil's  regiment  began  to    fall  back   without  waiting  for  a 
command,  and  was  gradually  followed  by  the  rest  of  the  brigade,  and 
I  learned  from  Tansil  that  Jaques  brought  to  him  an  order,  purporting 
to  come  from  Major  General  Cheatham,  to  move  "by  right  of  compa- 
nies to  the   rear."     The  order  not    having    been  delivered  to  me,  not 
recognizing  Colonel  Jaques  as  a  member  of  General  Cheatham's  staft", 
f^nd  satisfied  that  the  movement  was  demoralizing  in  the  highest  de- 
gree, it  Avas  arrested   as  promptly   as    possible.      The  line  was  halted 
and  reformed,  and  moved  forward  to  the  edge  of  the  woods,  where  we 
remained  until  dark,  when,  leaving  a  strong  picket  guard,    the  com- 
mand was  withdrawn  a  few   hundred    yards  to  the   rear  to   bivouac, 
taking  along  a  large  number  of  small   arms,   ammunition   and  equip- 
ments, which  We  removed  next  day   by  wagons   brought  out  for   the 
purpose. 

liate  in  the  afternoon.  Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  B.  Ross,  formerly  of 
Walker's  second  Tennessee  regiment,  was  wounded  by  a  Minnie  bul- 
let in  the  right  side  of  the  neck  and  throat.  He  was  removed  to  the 
hospital,  and  subsequently  to  a  private  house  in  Murfreesboro',  where 
he  died  on  Friday,  '2d  of  January.  He  was  serving  as  a  vol- 
unteer on  my  staff.  He  was  with  his  regiment  at  the  battle 
of  Belmont,  in  November,  I8GI;  resigned  in  January,  1863, 
and-  joined  me  as  a  volunteer  aid  at  Corinth  a  few  days  before  the 
battle  of  Shiloh,  where  he  behaved  well,  and  was  very  useful.  He 
M-as  a  brave  man  and  a  good  officer.  Whil.e  attempting  to  arrest  the 
retrogade  movement  alluded  to,  Colonel  H.  L.  W.  Bratton,  of  the 
twenty-fourth  regiment,  had  his  left  leg  shatterednear  the  thigh  joint, 
by  a  piece  of  shell  or  a  grape  shot.  The  limb  was  amputated,  and  he 
was  left  in  a  hospital  in  Murfreesboro',  with  little  kope  oa  the  part  of 


348 

the  surgeos  of  his  recovery,  lie  was  one  of  the  best  and  bravest 
officers  in  the  entire  army — always  prompt  to  obey  or  execute  an 
order  ;  indefatigable  in  drilling  and  disciplining  his  men.  He  was 
animated  by  a  lofty  courage  and  patriotism  that  bid  defiance  to  dan- 
ger. He  distinguished  himself  by  his  cool  and  courageous  bearing, 
both  at  rerr3'ville  and  Murfreesboro',  and  was  indeed,  "a  knight  with- 
out fear  and  without  reproaih." 

The  force  we  engaged  in  this  famous  "cedar  brake"  was  composed, 
at  least  in  part,  of  regulars.  Some  of  the  prisoners  and  wounded 
men  stated  that  they  belonged  to  the  sixteenth,  seventeenth,  pnd 
eighteenth  regulars,  and  their  brigade  was  commanded  by  Colonel 
Roberts,  who  fell  while  gallantly  attempting  to  rally  his  men  about 
opposite  the  centre  of  my  line.  He  was  buried  Saturday  evening. 
and  the  spot  marked  by  a  stone  having  his  name  scratched  upon  it  by 
the  point  of  a  bayonet. 

During  the  three  following  days — Thursday,  Friday,  and  Satur- 
day— we  held  our  position  it  the  edge  of  the  "brake,"  the  enemy 
occupying  the  ridge,  but  a  tew  hundred  yards  in  front,  with  a  heavy 
force  of  infantry  and  artillery,  frequently  shelling  us,  and  wounding 
a  few  men  at  almost  every  round.  The  command  remained  in  line, 
during  this  trying  ordeal,  with  admirable  patience  and  fortitude.  At 
length  on  Saturday  night  our  pickets  were  relieved  by  Colonel  Car- 
ter's cavalry,  and  about  one  or  two  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Sunday,  the  4th, 
we  left  the  field  for  Shelbyville. 

Throughout  the  week,  ofHcers  and  men  behaved  in  a  manner  that  is 
beyond  prai.^e.  I  desire  especially  to  mention  Colonel  0.  F.  Strahl, 
commanding  fourth  rnd  fifth  regiments  ;  Colonel  II.  L.  W.  Bratton, 
of  the  twc-nty-tourth  ;  Colonel  E.  E.  Tansil,  commanding  thirty-first 
and  thirty-third,  and  Col.  S.  M.  Walker,  of  the  nineteenth,  who,  with 
all  their  field  ofhcers,  behaved  most  nobly.  The  nineteenth.  Colonel 
AValker's,  suftered  more  heavily  than  any  other  in  the  brigade. 
Colonel  Walker,  in  his  report,  mentions  "the  brave  conduct  of  Or- 
derly Sergeant  Joseph  Simpson,  company  1,  who,  after  the  brigade 
had  halted  at  the  edge  of  the  cedar  bottom,  advanced  far  into  the 
field  and  captured  two  prisoners.  Our  loss  was  heavy — over  one- 
fourth  of  those  engaged.  The  list  of  killed  and  wounded  has  already 
been  sent  in.  Besides  these  already  mentioned,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Wilson  and  the  adjutant  (II.  W.  Mott)  of  the  twenty-fourth,  were 
wounded,  as  were  also  Major  Jarnagin,  of  the  nineteenth,  and  Cap- 
tain Francis,  of  the  fourth.  Several  valuable  officers  were  killed. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Heller,  of  the  fourth,  was  really  too  ill  for  duty  ; 
nevertheless,  he  was  at  his  post.    > 

Many  of  the  enemy's  dead  and  some  of  our  own  were  left  on  the 
field.  We  procured  a  few  spades  on  Saturday  evening,  and  buried  as 
many  bodies  as  was  possible  under  the  circumstances.  I  would 
respectfully  submit,  that  at  least  all  our  own  d,ead  might  have  been 
buried  during  the  tliroe  days  wo  held  the  field.  Attention  is  also 
respectfully  called  to  the  plundering  and  stripping  of  the  dead,  even 
our  own,  and  to  the  propriety  of  a  general  order  prohibiting  it. 
I  cannot  close  this  imperfect  sketch  without  expressing  my  obli- 


349 

gations  to  the  gentlemen  -wlio  served  on  my  staff,  and  who 
made  themselves  bo  intelligently  useful  and  efficient,  regard- 
less of  danger,  viz  :  Colonel  W;  M.  Reed,  A.  A.  General  ;  Captain 
R.  A.  Hatcher,  aid-de-camp  ;  Captain  John  A.  Lauderdale,  formerly 
of  the  fifth,  a  volunteer  aid  ;  Major  L.  W.  Finlay,  of  the  fourth, 
and  Lieutenant  Paul  Jones,  of  the  thirty-second,  supernumeraries,  hy 
the  amalgamation  of  their  regiments  with  others,  but  who  preferred- 
to  be  in  the  field.  'Ihese  officers,  and  private  Frai  k  C.  Usher,  of  the 
first  Tennessee,  acting  as  orderly,  were  active  and  efficient,  and  con- 
tributed not  a  little  to  the  ease  and  facility  with  which  I  was  ena- 
bIed»to  handle  the  brigade.  Having  received  no  report  from  Capt. 
Stamford,  and  his  battery  having  been  detached  from  the  brigade 
before  it  really  went  into  action,  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  give 
an  account  of  its  services,  which  I  hear,  however,  were  as  usual 
valuable. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

ALEX.  P.  STEWART, 

Brigadkr   Gtneral. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENEUAL  McNAIR. 

Hkadquarters  Third  Brigade,  ) 
:     In  camp  near  ShdbyvilU,  Tcnn.,  Jan.   10,  1863.       \ 

Major  II.  S   Bradkoro,  A.  A.  G.: 

Sir  :  Through  you  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report, 
to  the  Major  General  commanding  the  division,  of  the  action  of  nij 
brigade  in  the  late  battle  before  Murfreeaboro',  on  the  3ist  of  Dc<>em- 
ber,  1862: 

In  obedience  to  orders  received  from  tlivision  headquarters,  at  seven 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  the  3i>th  of  December,  1862,  I  formed  my  brigade 
in  line  of  battle  on  the  ground  designated  at  that  time.  At  six 
o'clock,  A  M.,  on  the  3l8t  of  December,  I  moved  forward  aboit  one 
hundred  and  fifty  yards,-  and  joined  Brigadier  General  lector's  l)rig- 
ade  on  the  right.  We  then  moved  forwaid  together  to  meet  the  enemy, 
who  was  in  force  immediately  in  front  of  us.  We  had  advanced  but  a 
short  distance  before  the  enemy's  pickets  and  sharpshooters  opened 
fire  upon  us.  At  this  point  1  cautioned  my  brigade  to  reserve 
their  fire,  and  push  forward.  I  had  advanced  but  a  short  distance, 
when  the  fire  became  general  along  the  line,  indicating  tliat  we 
were  near  the  enemy,  in  position  ;  and  at  that  moment  he  opened 
upon  us,  with  a  six  gun  battery,  a  most  terrific  fire  of  shell  and 
grape  shot.  I  then  ordered  a  charge,  which  was  responded  to 
with  alacrity  and  good  will.  It  was  then  but  a  moment  before  the 
battery  was  ours;  his  long  line  of  infantry  routed  and  dispersed,  and 
the  strong  position,  which  he  held  in  security  but  a  moment  beiore, 
covered  with  his  dead  and  wounded.  My  command  continued  to  pur- 
sue the  Qnemy  for  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  pouring  a  destructive  fire 
into  his  broken  and  scattered  ranks,  strewing  the  ground  with  his 
killed  and  wounded.  At  this  point,  discovering  that  the  support  on 
my  right  had  not  come  up,  as  expected  by  me,  and  the  enemy  having 
thrown  a  heavy  force  paitly  in  my  rear,  their  sharpshooters  having 
already  commenced  to  fire  upon  :;iy  wounded  men,  I  halted  my  brig- 
ade and  moved  them  to  the  rear  by  the  fiank,  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
tecting my  wounded  men.  After  having  moved  but  a  short  distance,  I 
discovered  Brigadier  General  Liddell  advancing  with  his  brigade  on 
my  right,  thus  obviating  any  further  movement  ou  my  part  in  the 
direction  which  I  was  then  moving  I  then  immediately  wheeled  my 
brigade,  thus  changing  my  front,  and  joining  Brigadier  General  Lid- 
dell on  his  left;  and  I  ordered  a  forward  movement,  pushing  the 
enemy  back  upon  his  centre,  in  a  direction  due  north  from  that  point. 
Here  a  heavy  skirmish  commenced,  with  a  fresh  force  of  the  enemy, 
supposed  to  be  about  one  division,  ilo  was  driven  from  every  posi- 
tion for  the  distance  of  half  a  mile.  Here  ho  took  position,  protecting 
himself  by  a  rail  fence,  to  the  right  oblique  of  my  line  of  battle. 
The  enemy  had  already  engaged  General  Liddell's  brigade  on  my 
right,  holding  them  in  check,  and  pouring  a  destructive  fire  iato  their 


35t 

ranks.  Discovering  his  critical  position,  I  immediately  ordered  a  for- 
ward movement,  and  had  to  advance  across  an  open  field  a  distance  of 
about  four  hundred  yards.  Again  I  directed  ray  brigade  to  reserve  their 
fire,  which  was  done,  until  we  had  advanced  without  about  three  hundred 
yards,  though  the  enemy  poured  a  heavy  fire  upon  my  line,  from  behind 
their  cover,  yet  not  a  man  faltered,  but  pushed  forward  with  the  stern  de- 
termination of  veterans.  Here  I  ordered  a  charge,  and,  as  before,  oificers 
and  men  seemed  to  vie  with  each  other  in  performing  acts  of  gallantry, 
and  one  simultaneous  shout  rent  the  air.  The  enemy,  made  bold  by 
his  front  being  protected  by  the  fence,  held  his  position  with  more 
tenacity  than  usual,  but  the  terrific  fire  poured  upon  his  ranks,  and 
the  velocity  with  which  my  men  charged,  drove  hira  from  his  position 
in  confusion,  thus  relieving  Brigadier  General  Liddell's  brigade, 
which  was  already  faltering  under  the  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy,  thus, 
for  the  second  time,  driving  the  foe  from  his  choice  and  strong  posi- 
tion. This  was,  perhaps,  the  hardest  contested  engagement  of  the 
day.  Here  my  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  heavy,  though  small 
compared  with  that  of  the  enemy.  Without  halting,  1  pursued  the 
enemy  through  an  open  field,  pouring  a  deadly  fire  into  his  disordered 
ranks,  for  half  or  three-quarters  of  a  mile,  until  I  arrived  at  another 
fence,  in  front  of  a  dense  forest.  Fearing  an  ambuscade,  and  at  tbe 
same  time  finding  that  my  men  were  out  of  ammunition,  I  ordered  a 
halt,  and  rested  the  men  in  rear  of  a  fence,  at  the  same  time  ordering 
up  the  ammunition  train,  which  arrived  in  due  time,  and  proceeded  to 
replenish  the  cartridge  bo.xes. 

At  this  place.  General,  as  you  are  aware,  having  become  exhausted, 
my  health  having  been  bad  for  several  days  previous,  I  was  unable 
to  remain  longer  on  the  field,  and  placed  Colonel  11.  W.  Harper,  of 
the  first  Arkansas  mounted  rifles,  (dismounted,)  in  command  of  the 
brigade,  and  most  respectfully  refer  to  his  report  for  the  further  action 
of  the  brigade  on  that  day.  In  regard  to  the  casualties  of  the  brigade, 
as  already  reported — killed,  forty-two;  mortally  wounded,  six  ;  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  four  hundred  and  twenty-seven — I  am  happy 
to  report  that  a  very  large  proportion  of  the  wounds  are  slight,  and 
most  of  the  men  will  report  for  duty  very  S3on.  And  here,  General, 
I  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  the  surgeons  of  my  brigade. 
Surgeon  W.  L.  Gamage,  with  the  limited  means  at  his  disposal,  did 
all  that  could  be  done  to  relieve  the  sutferings  of  the  wounded  men. 
The  regimental  surgeons,  with  their  assistants,  proved  themselves 
worthy  of  the  high  and  responsible  positions  they  occupy.  By  their 
united  efforts,  with  the  assistance  of  the  infirmary  corps,  not  one 
wounded  man  was  left  uncared  for  during  the  night.  As  you  aware, 
General,  we  turned  the  right  wing  of  the  Federal  army,  driving  them 
four  miles  or  more,  taking  one  brigadier  general  (Willick)  prisoner,  a 
large  number  of  officers  of  the  line,  and  privates  innumerable  ;  cap- 
turing fourteen  pieces  of  artillery,  caissons,  and  ordnance  stores;  also 
a  great  quantity  of  small  arms  and  camp  equipage,  all  of  which,  I 
presume,  was  collected  by  the  proper  persons. 

For  the  action  of  Captain  Humphries'  battery,  I  beg  leave  to  refer 
you  to  his  own  report,  as  he  was  detached   from  the  brigade  during 


352 

the  day,  and,  consequently,  did  not  come  under  my  observation ;  but 
I  feel  assured  that  the  gallant  Captain  Humphries  and  bis  company 
•!\-ere  not  found  Avanting  on  this  occasion. 

I  most  respectfully  ask  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  the  officers 
composing  my  staff,  Captains  R.  E.  Foote,  A.  A.  G.,  and  W.  C.  Car- 
rlngton,  aidde-camp,  always  at  their  posts,  rendered  me  valuable 
assistance  during  the  day.  Mr.  James  IStonft,  my  volunteer  aid,  has 
placed  me  under  lasting  obligations  for  his  active  assistance. '  To 
Major  Malherrin,  C.  S.,  much  credit  is  due  for  his  continual  at- 
tention to  his  department,  which  administered  so  much  to  the  comfort 
of  the  men.  Major  W.  II.  Ellsnor,  quartermaster,  was  at  his  post,  as 
usual,  kee[iing  the  train  in  proper  order.  My  little  orderly,  volun- 
teer King,  and  his  white  pony,  were  present,  doing  all  that  they 
could  to  complete  the  victory. 

Though  contrary  to  my  usual  custom,  I  beg  leave  to  call  your  at- 
tention to  the  field  officers  of  my  brigade.  It  has  been  my  fortune  to 
be  present  at  many  a  hard  fought  battle,  but  never  have  I  witnessed 
such  deeds  of  moral  courage  and  gallant  daring  as  were  displayed  by  . 
the  field  and  company  officers  of  the  line  during  the  entire  day,  I 
forbear  to  mention  names,  for  each  seemed  to  vie  with  the  other  in 
deeds  of  gallantry  ;  but  one  I  must  mention,  that  one  is  Major  L.  M. 
Ramsaur,  first  Arkansas  mounted  rifles.  lie  was  severely  wounded  in 
the  last  charge  made  upon  the  enemy's  stronghold.  To  him  much  is 
due  for  the  gallant  charges  of  the  day.  To  officers  and  men  I  am  in- 
debted for  the  success  of  my  command.  Our  country,  and  the  glo- 
rious cause  in  which  we  are  engaged,  can  never  suffer  while  defended 
by  such  gallant  spirits 

To  the  friends  of  the  dead,  it  is  enough  to  know  that  they  baptized 
their  country  with  their  blood,  and  gave  their  bodies  a  willing  sacrifice 
upon  the  altar  of  liberty.  Their  gallant  spirits  have  taken  their  flight 
to  that' land  where  the  clash  of  arms  and  the  shock  of  battle  are  un- 
known. 

I  am,  Major,  most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

E.  McNAIR,  Brigadier  General^ 
Commanding.  Third  Brigade,  McCowri's  liivision. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  ADAMS. 

Atlanta,  Ga.,  January  12,  I860. 
Colonel  O'IIara,  a.  A.  A.  General : 

,  Colonel  :  Owing  to  a  slight  wound  which  I  received  in  the  left  am, 
I  have  not  been  able  to  report  sooner  the  part  taken  by  my  brigade 
in  the  engagement  before  Murfreesboro',  on  the  31st  ultimo.  * 

I  now  have  the  honor  to  report  that  my  brigade,  consisting  of  the 
thirteenth  and  twentieth  Louisiana  regiments,  consolidated  into  the 
thirteenth,  under  command  of  R.  L.  Gibson  ;,  of  the  sixteenth  and 
twenty  fifth  Louisiana  regiments,  consolidated  into  the  sixteenth,  un- 
der the  command  of  Colonel  S.  W.  Fisk  ;  of  the  thirty-second  Ala- 
bama regiment,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Cclonel  Ilarry  Maiiry ; 
of  two  companies  of  Louisiana  sharpshooters,  under  command  of 
Major  J,  E.  Austin,  and  of  the  fifth  company  Washington  artillery, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Vaught,  was  ordered  from  the  right  of 
General  Breckinridge's  division,  to  which  it  belongs,  to  cross  Stone's 
river,  where  I  was  directed  to  report  to  Lieutenant  General  Polk. 

In  obedience  to  this  order  received  from  the  commanding  General, 
I  crossed  the  river  at  tbeford  above  the  Nashville  pike,  and  finding 
Lieutenant  General  Polk,  reported  to  him  in  person,  and  received  from 
him  an  order  to  take  a  battery  of  the  enemy,  which  was  some  seven 
or  eight  hundred  yards  in  advance  of  the  ford,  where  I  had  crossed 
the  river,  and  on  an  eminence  between  the  Nashville  pike  and  the 
river.  I  immediately  formed  the  infantry  of  my  brigade  in  line  of 
battle  in  the  open  plain,  near  the  rivor,  and  advanced  until  reaching 
a  place  known  as  Cowan's  house,  on  the  pike,  where  I  found  the 
burnt  ruins  of  a  large  brick  house,  a  close  picket  fence,  and  a  deep  eut 
in  the  railroad,  which  ran  parallel  with  the  pike,  and  the  rough  and 
broken  ground  on  the  river  bank,  presented  such  serious  obstacles  as 
prevented  my  continuing  to  advance  in  line  of  battle.  I  therefore 
moved  the  first  or  Colonel  Gibson's  battalion  by  the  right  flank  through 
a  gateway  in  the  direction  of  the  river,  and  formed  it  in  line  of  battle 
with  its  right  resting  on  the  river.  I  then  moved  the  second  or  Col- 
onel Fisk's  battaliun,  in  column  of  companies,  up  the  pike  until  cleai* 
of  the  obstacles,  where  I  had  it  formed  in  line  of  battle,  with  its  right 
resting  on  the  railroad.  The  thirty-second  Alabama,  having  moved 
by  the  left  flank,  so  as  to  avoid  the  burnt  buildings,  was  again  formed 
in  line  on  the  left  of  Colonel  Fisk's  battalion. 

Line  being  again  formed,  I  gave  the  command  to  charge  the  battery, 
which  was  promptly  executed.  As  the  men  approached  the  brow  of 
the  hill,  they  came  fully  in  view  and  range  of  the  enemy's  guns,  and 
were  checked  by  a  terrible  fire  from  his  artillery,  posted  on  the  second 
elevation,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  or  two  hundred  yards  distant.. 
At  my  repeated  command,  however,  they  continued  to  advance,  untii 
the  enemy  opened  with  a  battery  from  a  cedar  thicket  on  my  left,  and 
what  appeared  to  be  a  brigade  of  infantry,  and  at  the  same  tiiae  they 
23 


354 

coEDH.eLced  uiovin{?  down  the  river  in  force,  apparently  to  get  in  rear 
of  my  command.  Under  these  circumstance  I  continued  the  light 
If  r  uperiod  of  about  one  hour,  in  -which  ray  men  fought  most  gal- 
lantly and  nobly. 

rinding  that  I  was  overpowered  in  numbers,  with  a  force  of  infantry 
on  my  front,  my  right,  and  on  my  left,  supporting  a  battery  of  some 
lifleen  or  tv/enty  guns,  strongly  posted  in  the  cedar  thicket  on  the 
pt'cciid  eminence  on  my  front,  and  that  my  men  were  being  rapidljr 
killed  and  wounded,  and  the  effort  to  turn  my  right  likely  to  prove- 
si«:cef-sru.l,  I  had  reluctantly  to  give  the  command  to  fall  back.  Owing, 
to  the  ('bstacles  before  meniioned,  some  confusion  and  disorder  was 
created  in  falling  back,  which  caused  some  delay  in  reforming  the 
biigsde,  much  to  my  regret.  The  conduct,  however,  of  the  officers  anf^ 
men  in  making  the  charge  and  holding  the  position,  as  long  as  they 
did,  deserves  the  highest  praise*  No  greater  courage  or  determina- 
tion could  have  been  displayed.  At  one  time  during  the  engagement 
a  |;ortion  of  the  enemy's  line  on  niv  front  faltered,  and  gave  way  un- 
der the  well  directed  fire  and  continued  advance  of  my  brigade,  and 
I  had  strong  hopes  of  success,  and  pressed  the  command  forward,  but 
the  .enemy  were  promptly  reinforced,  and  finding  it  wholly  impracti- 
cable to  t;ike  this  battery,  supported  as  it  was  on  the  right  and  left 
Ly  heavy  forcea  of  infantry,  and  having  in  its*  rear  apparently  the 
whole  Federal  army,  from  which  to  draw  reioiforcements,  1  was  con- 
vinced it  was  more  than  any  brigade  could  accomplish,  and  full  work 
for  a  division,  well  directed. 

My  loss  in  this  engagement  and  that  of  Friday  succeeding,  was 
kilKd,  wounded  and  missing,  .officers  and  men,  seven  hundred  and 
tvcnty-eight  (72b,)  The  exact  proportion  of  killed  and  wounded  I 
could  not  ascertain.  In  this  engagement  of  Wednesday,  and  the  suc- 
ceeding one  of  Friday,  the  third  company  of  Washington  artillery. 
Lieutenant  Yaught  commanding,  was  detached,  but  did  important  and 
essential  service.  Amongst  the  killed,  I  have  to  report  and  to  regret 
the  death  of  Celonel  S.  W.  Fisk,  who  fell  gallantly  leading  his  bat- 
talion in  the  charge.  He  was  a  worthy,  brave,  and  gallant  officer. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  H.  Maury  was  wounded  in  the  side  by  a  minnie 
ball,  while  leading  his  men  with  his  colors  in  his  hand,  and  deserves 
praise  for  his  gallant  conduct.  Colonel  Gibson,  Major  Guillet,  and 
Major  Zacharie,  all  displayed  commendable  coolness  and  gallantry. 
Lieutenant  Chandler,  adjutant  of  the  thirty-second  Alabama,  also  de- 
serves great  praise  for  his  courage  and  coolness  under  the  trying  circum- 
stances in  which  he  was  placed.  Captain  Emille  P.  Guillet,  my  adju- 
tant, continued  with  me,  and  was  of  very  great  service,  displaying 
undaunted  courage,  and  notwithstanding  he  received  a  severe  wound 
in  his  left  arm,  continued  on  the  field  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 
So  far  as  my  observation  extended,  all  company  officers  remained  firmly 
at  their  posts,  and  conducted  themselves  with  courage,  gallantry,  and 
coolness;  From  the  effects  of  a  wound  received  from  a  piece  of  shell 
in  my  left  arm,  I  found  myself  unable  to  take  the  field  on  the  follow- 
ing day,  and  qjy  brigade  was  therefore  placed  under  command  of  Col- 


355 

onel  R.  L.  Gibson,  he  being  senior  officer,  who  has  doubtless  already 
made  his  report  of  the  engagement  of  Friday,  the  2ad  instant. 
Very  respectfully, 
DAN'L  W.  AD  AIMS,  Brigadier  General, 
Corn'dg  Adams'  Brigade,  Breckinridge's  Div.,  Hardee'' s  corps,  A.  T. 

Colonel  :  Brigadier  General  D.  W.  Adams  being  jibsent,  requests 
me  by  letter,  to  state  that  his  report  was  written  before  he  had  received 
the  reports  of  his  subordinate  commanders,  and  that  he  desires  espe- 
cially to  make  special  mention  of  Captain  M.  0.  Tracy,  acting  major; 
Lieutenant  II.  II.  Bein,  adjutant,  and  Captain  T.  Ryan,  of  the  thir- 
teenth Louisiana  volunteers,  for  gallant  conduct,  and  Captain  Peyton, 
of  the  battalion  of  sharpshooters,  who  Avas  seriously  wounded. 

R.  L.  GIBSON, 
Colonel  commanding  Adams'  brigade,. 


RErORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  ECTOR. 

Hkadquartkrs  First  Brigade  McCown's  Division.  ) 
Shelhyville,   Tennessee,  Jafmary,   1863.       ) 
Major  II.  S.  Bradford,  A.  A.  G.  : 

In  obedience' to  special  orders  from  division  headquarters,  it  be- 
comes my  duty  to  make  a  report  of  the  operatioiis  of  my  brigade  in 
the  recent  battle  before  Murfreesboro'.  During  the  night  of  the  30th 
ultimo,  I  was  ordered  to  have  my  command  in  readiness  to  move  upon 
the  enemy  at  daylight  on  the  next  morning.  Geijeral  McNair's  brig- 
ade was  to  'move  up  in  pooition  on  my  right,  and  General  Rains' 
brigade  on  my  left.  The  enemy  were  known  to  be  in  strong  force 
immediately  'in  fiont  of  us,  supported  by  several  bitteries.  These 
Tvere  posted  near  the  edge  of  the  timber.  There  was  a  level  field 
between  us,  about  five  hundred  yards  across  it.  A  few  minutes  after 
Bix  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  31st  of  December,  the  two  brigades  had 
arrived  in  the  petition  indicated,  and  the  command  *'  Forward, 
march,"  was  given.  The  three  brigades  moved  off  together.  When 
we  had  arrived  within  about  two  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy's  bat- 
teries, in  front  of  my  brigade,  they  opened  fire  upon  us.  Imme- 
diately the  order  was  given  to  charge.  The  enemy  were  not  expecting 
Buch  a  movement  on  our  part.  Their  infantry  fired  into  us  about  this 
time,  Kone  of  the  three  brigades  faltered  for  a  moment.  When  we 
had  arrived  within  about  one  hundred  yards  of  their  batteries,  I 
ordered  my  men  to  fire.  We  poured  a  hot  and  deadly  fire  into  them, 
and  continued  to  advance.  Such  determination  and  courage  was  per- 
fectly irresistible.  j\Iy  brigade  was  within  thirty  yards  of  their 
cannon  when  they  fired  the  second  round.  Quite  a  number  of  my 
brigade  were  killed  and  woumled,  but  the  gaps  made  by  the  canister 
and  small  arms  closed  up  in  an  instant.  In  this  charge  Colonel  J. 
C.  Burks,  commanding  the  eleventh  Texas  regiment,  received  a  mor- 
tal wound.  Their  infantry  gave  way  about  the  time  we  reached  their 
batteries.  They  attempted  to  form  again  behind  a  second  battery. 
We  pres.sed  upon  them  so  rapidly  that  they  soon  gave  way  the  second 
time.  At  a  fence  they  made  a  short  stand,  but  were  driven  from  it. 
We  passed  over  two  cannon  which  they  had  attempted  to  get  off'  with. 
They  continued  to  keep  up  a  running  fight  for  awhile,  taking  shelter 
behind  the  farm  houses  which  lay  in  the  line  of  their  retreat.  The 
rout  soon,  however,  became  complete,  I  soon  discovered  that  we  had 
separated  from  General  McNair's  brigade.     After  pursuing  the  ene- 

'  my  two  and  a  half  miles,  I  halted  my  command  and  ^ced  it  to  the 
Tight,  intending  to  proceed  with  it  in  the  direction  I  supposed  Gen- 

•  eral  McNair's  brigade  had  gone.  We  had  captured  quite  a  number 
of  prisoners,  which  had  been  sent  to  the  rear.  The  enemy  in  their 
hasty  retreat,  had  left  their  camp  equipage ;  and  guns,  blankets,  over- 
coats and  knapsacks  marked  the  line  of  their  retreat.  General 
Wharton's  cavalry  brigade  continued  in  pursuit  of  those  wre  had  been 

*ftex,  and  killed  and  captured,  fts  I  have  since  learned,  many  of  them. 


357 

About  this  time,  'I  received  an  order  from  the  division  commander, 
to  move  my  command  so  as  to  rejoin  General  McNair,  who,  with  Gen- 
eral Liddell,  was  engaging  the  enemy.  This  order  was  promptly 
obeyed  by  both  General  Rains  and  myself.  After  marching  about 
one  and  a  half  miles,  we  came  up  witt  General  McNair's  brigade. 
They  had  driven  the  enemy  some  distance,  and  were  halted  for  the 
purpose  of  getting- a  new  supply  of  ammunition  ;  as  most  of  my  men 
had  nearly  exhausted  their  forty  rounds,  they  were  also  halted  and 
ordered  to  supply  themselves  with  ammunition.  General  Rains 
thought  his  men  were  pretty  well  supplied,  and  after  making  a  short 
halt,  he  was  ordered  to  the  right  of  the  other  two  brigades,  in  a 
northeast  direction,  until  he  came  up  with  the  enemy.  He  had  gone 
I  would  say,  from  the  firing  in  this  direction  but  little  over  half  a 
mile,  before  he  engaged  them.  We  were  ordered  forward  an  1  I  was 
told  to  cause  the  left  of  my  brigade  to  oblique  to  the  right.  Wc  had 
marched  about  one  mile  in  this  direction.  General  Rains  in  the  mean- 
time was  driving  back  the  enemy,  when,  unfortunately,  he  fell  mor- 
tally wounded.  He  had  driven  them  through  a  dense  cedar  forest  into 
a  field.  Their  left  wing  had  either  been  routed  or  driven  back  upon 
their  centre — the  right  of  their  centre  had  also  been  driven  back  some 
distance,  and  their  forces  were  thus  massed  in  a  very  formidable  posi- 
tion in  a  field,  nat  far  from  the  Nashville  pike.  General  McNair  and 
my  brigade  entered  the  field  near  the  southwest  corner  (just  above  it). 
About  two  hundred  yards  from  the  west  side  of  the  fence,  immediately 
before  us,  was  a  cedar  brake.  Near  the  head  of  this  brake  it  widened 
out,  when  the  ground  was  very  leaky.  I  had  thought  for  some  time  the 
left  of  my  command  was  obliquing  tco  much,  and  so  informed  the  di- 
vision commander.  He  sent  me  word  that  General  Hardee,  who  was 
in  command  of  that  corps  of  our  army,  desired  I  should  continue  to 
move  in  this  way.  The  enemy  were  in  ambuscade  in  this  cedar  brake 
on  the  left  of  my  command.  They  had  a  very  formidable  battery 
planted  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  a  northeast  direction 
from  us  ;  one  nearly  in  a  north  direction,  about  the  same  distance  off; 
and  the  third  one  in  a  field  a  quarter  of  a  mile  northwest  of  us. 
All  these  batteries  turned  loose  upon  us.  xVbout  the  same 
time,  their  infantry,  whose  position  had  been  ascertained  by  my  skir- 
mishers, unmasked  themselves,  and  opened  fire.  The  fourth  and  fif- 
teenth Texas  regiments  were  soon  in  a  desperate  "struggle  ;  the  regi- 
ments on  the  right  of  them  were  equally  exposed  to  their  artillery. 
I  immediately  sent  Major  Spencer  to  Colonel  Harper,  who  was  in 
command  of  the  brigade  on  my  right.  General  McNair  having  be- 
come too  unwell  to  move  his  brigade  up  to  my  assistance,  I  hastened 
to  the  left  of  .my  command.  My  men  had  driven  back  one  line  of  their 
infantry  upon  the  second  line;  still  behind  them  was  a  third  line.  I 
have  since  learned  that  a  short  distance  behind  them  was  General 
Rosencrans'  headquarters.  The  cedars  were  falling,  and  being  trim- 
med by  bombs,  canister,  and  iron  hail,  which  seemed  to  fill  the  air. 
My  men  had  not  yielded  an  inch,  but  sheltering  themselves  behind 
the  rocks,  would  lie  down  and  load,  rise  to  their  knees,  fire  into  the 
closed  blue  line,  not  over  sixty  ya^ds  from  them,     I  saw  their  officers, 


358 

several  times  trying  to  get  their  men  to  charge  us,  but  thoy  would 
not.  Believing  it  to  be  impossible  to  bring  my  entire  brigade  to  bear 
with  full  force,  and  that  an  attempt  to  do  it  would  be  attended  with 
great  sacrifice  of  life,  I  ordered  them  to  fall  back.  The  enemy  did 
not,  80  far  as  I  was  able  to  discover,  follow  us.  On  peaching  the 
woods,  I  formed  the  brigade,  and  ordered  the  men  to  rest.  •  In  a  short 
time,  in  obedience  to  orders,  I  moved  up  to  the  left,  and  took  position 
behind  a  fence,  where  my  men  could  rest  themselves  and  check  any 
attempted  advance  of  tlie  enemy  in  that  direction.  It  is  due  to  my 
brigade  to  say  that  the}'^  had  been  under  almost  constant  fire  for  eight 
hours  ;  that  one  third,  almost,  of  my  command  had  been  killed  or 
wounded,  and  most  of  the  rest  were  very  much  exhausted.  About 
two  hours  by  sun,  I  was  ordered  to  move  further  to  the  east  (and  to 
the  right).  We  were  halted  in  a  dense  cedar  forest,  where  the  ground 
was  covered  with  large  rocks.  This  ground  had  been  threetiraes  fought 
over  during  the  day.  The  battle  continued  to  rage  with  uninter- 
rupted fury  until  long  after  dark,  further  to  the  right.  For  over 
twelve  long  hours  it  had  continued  from  the  time  it  had  opened  on 
the  right  wing  in  the  morning  We  occupied  all  the  ground  at 
night  which  we  had  fought  over  during  the  day,  except  on  his  extreme 
left.  Most  of  his  dead  and  wounded  were  left  within  our  lines. 
We  occupied  a  very  strong  position,  and  one  with  a  little  labor  on  our 
part,  from  which  we  could  not  be  easily  driven.  Our  line  of  battle 
was  formed.  We  threw  out  our  pickets,  built  small  fires,  which  were 
very  acceptable,  as  we  had  b?en  without  them  for  two  days  and  nights 
and  even  permitted  to  rest  undisturbed  during  the  night. 

Early  the  next  morning,  the  men  made  them  a  secure  breastwork 
of  rock  This  completed,  every  man  took  his  position,  ready  to  re- 
ceive the  enemy  in  a  proper  manner.  The  day  passed  off  quietly  un- 
til late  in  the  evening,  when  an  effort  Was  made  to  shell  us  out  of  our 
position.  The  timber  being  so  thick,  and  our  breastworks  so  sub- 
stantial, they  could  effect  nothing.  Our  pickets  would  exchange 
shots  with  them  frequently  during  the  day  and  night. 

On  the  second  day,  about  night,  the  enemy  again  shelled  the  woods 
for  some  time.  Their  pickets  adranced,  and  there  was  considerable 
skirmishing  with  the  pickets  along  the  lines.  They  were  prudent 
enough  to  keep  at  a  respectful  distance  from  our  breastworks.  Cap- 
tain Douglass'  battery,  belonging  to  my  brigade,  did  efficient  ser- 
vice iu  the  early  part  of  the  engagement.  Afcer  we  had  driven  the 
enemy  from  their  guns,  and  had  followed  on  in  pursuit  of  them,  a 
considerable  body  of  the  enemy  moved  in  behind  us  from  our  right, 
and  formed.  About  sun  up,  Captain  Douglass  was  ordered  to  move 
up  with  liis  battery  towards  the  enemy's  lines,  and  join  his  brigade. 
He  ordered  the  battery  forward  immediately,  rode  himself  rapidly  in 
advance,  to  ascertain  the  position  of  the  troops.  After  riding  to  the 
point  vfhere  the  enemy's  first  battery  was  captured,  ho  found  that  we 
had  captured  the  battery  and  were  rapidly  pursuing.  He  returned  to 
the  battery,  put  his  horses  to  their  best  speed  to  assist  in  holding  the 
advanced  position  attained.  When  he  arrived  within  one  hundred 
and  fifty  yards  of. the  captured  battery,  his  battery  being  at  its  best 


359 

cpced,  he  discovered  a  body  of  Federal-  inf<intrv  drawn  up  in  line 
in  front  of  the  position  occupied  by  the  captured  guns,  and  nut  fir 
from  his  head  team.  He  immediately  halted  the  battery,  and  gave 
the  corftmand  "  Front  into  line."  Discovering  that  the  enemy  did  not 
know  whether  he  was  friend  or  foe,  he  gave  the  command,  left  oblique 
and  action  front,  thus  bringing  his  guns  into  position  not  bearing  ex- 
actly on  the  enemy.  During  this  time,  Capt^un  Douglass  says  the 
enemy  waved  their  tlag  at  him.  Seeing  no  time  was  to  be  losit,  he 
ordered  the  gunners  to  commence  firing  with  canister.  The  enemy  fired 
about  this  time,  wounding  one  man,  killing  three  horses,  and  wound- 
ing three  more.  He  soon  threw  a  rapid  and  deadly  fire  into  the  ene- 
my's ranks.  They  stood  but  a  few  discharges,  when  they  retreated 
in  considerable  disorder.  As  this  battery  was  separated  from  my 
brigade  throughout  the  remaijider  of  the  day,  I  respectfully  refer  you 
to  h'is  report,  herewith  enclosed,  for  a  full  and  complete  report  of  !;11 
its  movements. 

At  one  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  3d  ultimo,  we  left  our  breastworks 
and  moved  near' the  Lebanon  road,  just  above  Murfrecsboro'.  The  of- 
ficers, non-commissioned  oflSccra  and  privates,  so  far  as  I  was  able  to 
judge,  were  at  their  post,  and  did  their  duty  to  my  entire  satisfac- 
tion. They  were  at  all  times  ready  to  obey  my  commands,  and  at  no 
time  during  the  day  gave  an  inch  of  ground,  until  they  were  ordered. 

Colonel  Burks  was  gallantly  leading  his  regiment,  which  had  fol- 
lowed him  through  the  fire  and  smoke  of  battle,  when  he  received  a 
fatal  wound.  He  felt  that  it  was  mortal;  he  pressed  his  hand  to  ;t 
to  conceal  it.  When  within  twenty  yards  of  their  battery,  I 
heard  him  distinctly  say — '*  Charge  them,  my  boys,  charge  them '" 
He  kept  up  until  from  faintness  he  could  go  no  further.  A  better 
friend,  a  warmer  heart,  a  more  gallant  leader  than  he  was,  never  drew 
the  breath  of  life.  He  was  idolized  by  his  regiment,  and  highly  es- 
teemed by  all  who  knew  him  well.  He  perished  in  the  pride  of  his  life,  in 
the  "  thunders  of  a  great  battle;"  he  went  down  with  his  armor  ca, 
in  defence  of  his  country. 

Colonel  x\ndrews  and  Major  Estis,  of  the  fifteenth  Texas  regiment; 
Colonel  Camp  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Harris,  of  the  fourth  Texas 
regiment ;  Colonel  Lock  and  Major  Craig,  acting  Lieutenant  Colonel. 
Captiin  Redwince,  acting  Major  of  the  tenth  Texas  regiment,  and 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Bounds  of  the  eleventh  Texas  regiment,  together 
with  their  entire  staffs,  acted  most  gallantly. 

The  conduct  of  the  different  company  officers  w^%all  th-it  I  could 
have  desired.  Captain  Kilgqre,  my  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  and 
Major  Spencer,  were  conspicuous  throughout  the  day.  They  were 
always  amongst  the  foremost  in  the  charge,  leading,  directing,  en- 
couraging the  men,  ready  to  execute  with  promptness  every  order 
they  received.  I  would  especially  recommend  them  for  promotion, 
for  gallant  conduct  on  the  battle-field  ;  they  deserve  a  higher  position 
than  they  now  occupjr.  I  would  speak  in  the  like  terms  of  the  con- 
duct on  the  battle-field  of  Captain  B.  Todhunter,  a  volunteer  aid. 
He  was  slightly  wounded  in  the  first  of  the  action,  but  remained  upon 
the  field.     I  would    also    specially   recommend    him    for   promotion. 


360  , 

Captain  W.  II.  Scith,  Acting  Inspector  General,  and  aid-de-carap  H. 
M.  Lane,  rendered  me  very  efficient  service.  Lieutenant  Lane  waa 
also  slightly  wounded.  Major  Wiley  B.  Ector,  brigade  quartormas- 
icr,  besides  discharging  his  other  duties,  kept  ua  supplied  with'cookcd 
rations,  and  with  a  detail  went  over  tlie  battle-field  and  collected  up 
and  buried  ihe  dead  of  the  brigade.  Dr.  L.  (j.  Graham,  the  brigade 
Rurgeon,  wjft  always  efficient  in  caring  for,  removing  and  providing 
for  the  wounded.  In  fact,  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  all 
the  surgeons  deserve  credit  for  the  manner  in  which  they  discharged 
their  several  duties. 

I  lost  thirty-eight  killed,  and  three  hundred  and  eight  wounded  in 
the  battle. 

In  conclusion,  I  would  say  that  the  private  soldiers  of  the  brigade 
have  endeared  themselves  to  me  by  the  manner  in   which  they  per- 
formed the  duties  and  endured  the  perils  they   were  subjected  to,  du- 
ring the  trying  ordeal  through  which  they  have  just  passed. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

M.  D.  ECTOR, 
Brigadier  Gineral  commanding  \&t  brigade,  McCown^s  divisiati. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PILLOW. 

Headquarters  First  BRicAnE,  First  Division,^ 

Lieutenant  Generai.  Hardee's  Corps,       > 

Camp  near  Tullahoma,  Jan.  1 1,  1863   ) 

To  T.  O'Hara,  J.  A.  A    General  : 

On  Friday  afternoon,  2nd  instant,  by  orders  of  General  Bragg,  I 
was  assigned  to  the  ccmmand  of  a  brigade,  composed  of  the  eighteenth, 
twenty-sixth,  twenty-eighth,  thirty-second,  and  forty-fifth  Tennessee 
regiments,  with  Captain  Moses  Field's  battery,  now  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  R.  M,  Anderson.  The  thirty-second  regiment,  commnnded 
by  Colonel  Cook,  was  on  detached  service,  and  v.as  not  in  the  action. 
They  were  all  much  reduced  in  strength  by  past  service. 

At  the  time  I  was  assigned  to  the  command,  it  occupied  a  position 
on  the  extreme  right  of  our  line,  in  front  of  the  enemy's  left.  This 
Brigade  constituted  the  assaulting  force,  designed  to  drive  the  enemy 
from  an  eminence  on  the  right  bank  of  Stone's  river,  a  position  ^¥hich 
prevented  his  left  flank  from  being  turned,  and  from  which,  if  in  our 
possession,  we  could  drive  him  from  his  strong  position  on  the  left 
bank  of  the  river,  and  enfilade  his  line  of  infantry.  I  was  supported 
on  my  left  by  Brigadier  General  Hanson's  brigade.  In  the  advance 
then  about  to  commence,  I  directed  General  Hanson  to  drag  upon  my 
left,  and  the  left  of  my  line  to  drag  upon  his  right,  to  guard  against 
a  separation  of  the  line  formed  by  the  two  brigades  in  the  advance. 
These  brigades  were  supported  by  a  line  drawn  up  in  the  rear,  about 
three  hundred  yards,  composed  of  the  brigades  of  Brigadier  General 
Preston  on  the  right,  and  a  brigade,  commanded  by  Colonel  Gibson, 
on  the  left.  At  the  signal  for  the  movement  to  commence  (viz  :  a  re- 
port of  artillery  in  the  centre  of  our  main  line)  I  ordered  my  line  tO' 
advance. 

The  entire  line  moved  forward  in  beautiful  order  across  the  slope  of 
woods  and  open  fields,  driving  the  enemy's  skirmishers  and  sharp- 
shooters before  it,  and  at  the  distance  of  about  three  hundred  yards, 
receiving  the  fire  of  the  main  body  of  the  enemy's  infantry,  hitherto 
concealed  from  view.  This  fire  developed  a  large  body  of  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters  in  a  body  of  thick  woods  to  the  right  of  the  position 
now  occupied  by  my  advance  line.  I  immediately  ordered  Lieutenant 
R.  W.  Anderson  to  bring  up  his  battery,  and  to  drive  them  out  of  the 
wood.  Upon  opening  fire  upon  this  concealed  force  of  the  enemy,  his 
artillery  responded  from  the  woods,  with  great  vivacity,  to  Lieutenant 
Anderson's  fire..  The  batteries  confronting  each  other,  kept  up  an 
exceedingly  hot  fire  for  about  fifteen  minutes,  when  my  infiintry, 
pressing  the  enemy's  infantry,  forced  it  to  retire  into,  and  then  from, 
a  thicket  of  woods  which  skirted  theblufi".  The  enemy's  body  of  sharp- 
shooters and  battery  retreated  precipitately  from  the  the  woods  on 
the  right,  towards  the  river  bluff,. 

I  now  ordered  the  infantry  to  press  the  enemy,  and  clear  the  bluflF, 


362 

while  I  advanced  Anderson's  battery,  and  with  it  occupied  the  woods, 
from  which  the  enemy's  artillery  had  been  driven.  TKis  order  was 
promptly  executed,  the  bluff  cleared,  the  enemy  s  infantry  taking 
fhelter  under  the  bluff,  and  in  a  deep  ravine  mnning  obliquely  into 
the  river. 

My  inftmtry  having  thus  advanced  as  far  as  was  possible,  on  ac- 
count of  the  bluff,  and  having  f  )rced  many  broken  portions  of 
the  eraemy's  force  across  and  through  the  river,  his  artillery 
having  retired  down  the  river  in  the  direcfion  of  the  ford, 
my  fire  ceased,,  and  the  work  seemed  completed.  In  a  few 
moments  afterwards,  I  discovered  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  moving 
rapidi}'  up  the  river  on  my  side,  turning  my  right  wing.  It  advanced 
rapidly,  and  opened  upon  the  flank  and  rear  of  my  force  simultane- 
ously ;  the  enemy's  artillery  and  infiintry  in  the  front  of  my  position, 
and  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  opened  fire  upon  my  front,  un- 
covered as  it  was  on  the  open. bluff  on  the  right  bank.  Thus  assailed 
in  flank  by  fresh  forces,  and  in  front  with  a  large  force  ®f  infantry 
and  artillery,  which  could  not  be  reached,  there  was  left  my  force  no 
alternative  but  to  retire  from  the  position  it  had  so  gallantly  won.  It 
retired  in  some  confusion,  but  with  as  little  as  could  be  expected  when 
suddenly  surprised  by  movements  of  the  enemy's  fresh  forces,  which 
could  not  have  been  foreseen,  and  which  we  had  not  the  means  of 
meeting.  I  directed  Lieutenant  Anderson  to  [irotecc  my  line  in  retir- 
ing from  the  field,  which  was  done.  The  infantry  line  retired  to  the 
ground  upon  which  it  had  had  originnlly  formed  for  the  advanced 
movements. 

In  this  engagement  my  brigade  took  about  two  hundred  prisoners, 
whom  I  passed  to  the  rear  under  small  guard.  The  entire  command 
performed  its  duty  most  gallantly.  My  loss  in  ollicers  and  men  was 
severe  for  the  length  ot  the  conflict.  Colonel  Palmer,  who  coaununded 
the  eigiitcenth  Tennessee  regiment,  received  three  wounds,  but  did  not 
relinquish  the  command  until  the  conflict  was  ended.  Colonel  Cun- 
ningliara,  commanding  the  twenty-eighth  regiment,  wns  killed  while 
gallantly  leading  his  regiment  in  the  main  assault.  "JNlMJor  C.  II.  Wad- 
ley,  of  the  forty-fifth  Tennessee  regiment,  is  missing,  and  is  supposed 
to  be  a  prisoner  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Lieutenant  Colonel  James 
M.  Bottle,  of  the  twenty-sixth  regiment,  was  wounded  by  the  splinter 
of  a  shell  in  the  hip.  Major  11.  M.  Saffell,  of  the  same  regiment,  was 
severely  wounded  in  the  thigh.  In  the  eighteenth  regiment,  Captain 
Dick  was  killed,  and  seven  of  the  captains  in  the  same  regiment  were 
wounded.  I  transmit  herewith  a  list  of  the  killed,  wounded,  and  miss- 
ing of  iho  brigade.  My  field  battery,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  R. 
M.  Anderson,  performed  most  important  service.  In  this  service  ser- 
geant Brown  was  wounded  by  a  shell,  and  is  reported  to  me  as  acting 
most  gallantly.  I  ordered  Colonel  Palmer  to  report  the  participation 
of  his  regiment  in  the  engagement,  but  he  was  reported  to  be  suffer- 
ing so  severely  from  his  wounds,  that  ho  was  unable  to  prepare  a  re- 
port. He  was  lcf"t  in  the  neighborh(;od  of  Allasonic. 
I  am  respectfully, 

G.  J.  PILLOW,  Brig,  Gerieral  commanding. 


363 

P.  S. — I  transmit  herewith  the  colors  of  the  ninth  Federal  Ken- 
tucky regiment  of  infantry,  taken  on  the  field,  by  Colonel  Canning, 
commanding  tv.-enty-eighth  regiment  Tennessee,  in  the  battle  of  the 
2nd.  It  was  much  torn  and  mutilated,  and  stained  with  blood  in  the 
fight,  and  has  many  ball  holes  in  it 

G.  J.  PILLOW, 
Brigadier  General  coimnfinding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  R.  R.  JOHNSON. 

Headquarters  Johnson's  Brigade,      l 

Cleburne's  Division,  Hardee's  Corps.  Army  of  Tennessee,  > 

Tullahoma,  Tenn.,  January  15,  1863,      ) 

Captain  J.  A.  Buckj 

Assistant  Adjutant  General : 

Sir  :  I  respectfullj  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  in 
the  action  before  Murfrecsboro',  on  the  31st  of  December,  1862,  by 
the  brigade  under  mj  command : 

In  the  first  position  taken  by  Major  General  Cleburne's  division  at 
Murfreesboro',  on  Sunday,  the  28th  December,  this  brigade  vras  the 
second  one  from  the  extreme  right  of  the  second  line,  was  north  of 
Murfrecsboro'.  and  a  little  west  of  Lebanon  pike.  Thouglf  there  had 
been  skirmishing  with  artillery  and  small  arms,  no  regular  engage- 
ment had  taken  place  between  our  troops  and  those  of  the  enemy,  up 
to  the  nigbt  of  the  30th  of  December.  Late  in  the  evening  of  this 
day,  my  brigade,  with  the  others  of  Major  General  Cleburne's  division, 
was  moved  from  the  extreme  right  to  the  extreme  left  of  the  second 
line  of  battle,  in  order  to  support  Major  General  McCown's  division, 
which  formed  the  extreme  left  of  the  first  line.  My  brigade  consisted 
of  five  regiment><,  whose  position,  from  right  to  left,  and  whose 
strength  respectively,  on  the  morning  of  the  battle  in  front  of  Mur- 
freesboro',  were  as  follows  : 

General  staff,  six. 

Ist. — Thirty-seventh  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  Moses 
White,  two  hundred  and  twenty-five. 

2d. — Forty-fourth  regiment  Tenressee  volunteers,  Colonel  John 
Fulton,  five  hundred  and  nine.  * 

3d. — Twenty- fifth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  John  M. 
Hughes,  three  hundred  and  thirty-six. 

4th. — Seventeenth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  A.  S. 
Marks,  five  hundred  and  ninety-eight. 

5th. — Twenty-third  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers.  Lieutenant 
Colonel  R.  11.  Keeble,  two  hundred  and  seventy. two. 

Darden's  battery,  seventy. 

Strength  ^brigade  taken  into  action,  two  thousand  and  sixteen. 

The  Jcflrerson  artillery,  (four  guns,)  commanded  by  Captain  Put. 
Darden,  having  been  on  detached  service  with  Brigadier  General 
Wood's  brigade,  reported  for  duty  with  my  command  on  the  mornings 
of  the  31st  December,  and  moved  with  my  brigade.  My  brigade  was 
pos4ed  between  Brigadier  General  Liddell's  brigade,  which  was  on  the 
extreme  left  of  our  line  and  the  brigade  of  Brigadier  General  L.  Polk. 

At  early  dawn,  on  the  last  day  of  the  old  year  1863 — a  year  so  full  of 
bloody  records — our  line  was  for^ned,  running  north  and  south,  on 
the  west  side  of  the  west  fork  of  Stone's  river,  my  left  resting  on  the 
lane  leading  up  to  the  McCulloch  house.     The  order  was  immedi- 


365 

s-tely   given  to   advance,  in   support   of  Major  General   McCown's 
division,  by  wheeling   the  whole  of  our  division  to   the  right.     My 
brigade  moved  first  over  open  fields,  up  a  gentle  descent,  for   about 
twelve  hundred  yards,  when  we  reached  the  summit  of  the  slope  with 
my  left,  within  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  Triune  road. 
Here  the  enemy's  balls,  frcm  cannon  and  small  arms,  fell  around  and 
in  our  ranks.     Though  we  had  mqved  out  on  the  second  line,  to  sup- 
port Major  General  McCov/n's  division,  it  became  evident  that  there 
was  here  nothing  before  us  but  the  enemy,  whose  sharpshooters  were 
posted  at   the  fence,  and   in    the  woods   along   the   north  side  of  the 
Triune  road.     We  therefore   prepared   to  take  our  place  in  the  first 
line.     I  ordered  out  skirmishers   in   front  of  each  regiment,  halting 
and  correcting  the  right  of  my  line,  which  had  been  somewhat  broken 
in  passing  through  a  small  thicket  in  the  field.      Colonel  Moses  White 
and  Lieutenant  Colonel   Frazier,  of   the  thirty-seventh,  and  several 
men  of  the  forty-fourth  Tennessee  regiments,  were  here  wounded,  be- 
fore we  fired  a  gun.     Major  McReynolds,  a  faithful  and  bravo  ofiicer, 
then  took  command  of  the  thirty-seventh  regiment  Tennessee  volun- 
teers.    Our  skirmishers  now  drove  the  enemy  from   the  fence  and 
border  of  the  woods ;   and  the  brigade  advanced  to  the  Triune  road  in 
a  beautiful  line,  completing  the  wheel   to  the  right.      My  command 
was  here  moved   to  the  left,  on   the    road,  to  give   room  to  Brigadier 
General  Polk's  brigade.     In  front  of  the  left  wing  of  the  twenty -fifth 
regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  there  was,  at  this  time,  a  lane  running 
nearly  perpendicular   to  the  Triune  road,  and  with  a  narrow  opening 
on  the  right  of   this   lane,  there  was,  on   cither   side,  a  cedar  glade. 
The   brig;ide  advanced   into  the  glade,  and  passing  it   under  a  warm 
fire  on   the  right  wing,  it  entered   a  wide  corn-field  on  the  left,  and  a 
narrow  field  on  the  right  of  the  lane      The  conflict  now  became  very 
severe,  perh;  ps  as  much  so  as  at  any  pe;'iod  during  the  day.     Imme- 
diately in  front  of  the  seventeenth  Tennessee   regiment,  and  to  the 
right  of  a  small  thicket,  was  a  battery  of  four  guns — afterwards  found 
to   be   a  Michigan    battery — supported  by  a  heavy  force  of   infantry. 
Further  to  the  left  wni»s  posted  a  second  battery.     As  soon  as  the  bri- 
gade entered  upon  the  open  ground,  it  was  exposed  to  a  very  heavy 
fire  of  grape,  j^hclls  and  bullets.     The  twenty-fifth  regiment,  on  the 
right  of  the  lane,  was  especially  exposed  to  a  flank  fire  of  the  enemy's 
battery.     The  seventeenth  advanced  steadily,  to  within  one  hundred 
and  fifty  yards  of   the  battery,  halted,  and  engaged  the  enemy  most 
gallantly  and  efl"ectively  for  some  time.     Captain  Darden's  battery,  at 
the  same  time,  took  position  on  the  south  side  of  the  fieli,  and,  with 
admirable  skill,  poured  in  a  well-directed  fire  of  shell,  shrapnel  and 
solid  shot,  over  the  heads  of  our  own  men,  upon   the  battery  and  in- 
fantry in  front  of  my  left  wing,  which  seon  silenced  the   enemy's 
pieces.     The  seventeenth  then  charged,  and  took  the  battery  of  four 
guns  in  front  of  it,  having,  with  the  aid  of  the  artillery,  killed  eight 
men  of  the  battery  and  many  horses,  and  having  wounded  the  captain 
and  a  number  of  his  men,  and  damaged  one  of  his  pieces.     As  we  ad- 
vanced. Captain   Darden  moved  his  battery  to  the  left,  and  engaged 
ihe   enemy's  battery  on    the  left  of  the  small  thicket,  which  finally 


366 

moved  back  from  its  position.  After  continuing  the  fire  for  a  time 
from  the  open  fields  upon  the  enemy,  now  in  the  woods  beyond,  the 
Bcvcntcenth  again  charged,  and  gained  the  woods,  where  a  stubborn 
resistance  continued  to  be  ofi'erwl  by  the  enemy,  who  took  shelter  be- 
hind trees  .and  logs  ;  still  the  seventeenth  pushed  rapidly  forward, 
driving  the  enemy  until  its  left  was  exposed  to  an  enfilading  fire 
from  the  enemy,  who  occupied  a  fence  some  sixty  yards  to  the  left. 
The  twenty-third  Tennessee  regiment,  in  conjunction  with  the  right 
of  Brigadier  General  LiiJdell's  brigade,  now  approached  in  good  time, 
and  gallantly  relieved  the  seventeenth  from  this  ilank  fire,  enabling  it 
to  pass  forward  and  drive  the  enemy  from  the  woods. 

On  the  right  of  the  lane,  w^hcre  the  twenty-fifth,  forty-fourth,  and 
thirty-seventh  Tennessee  regiments  passed,  there  was  much  less  open 
ground  than  on  the  left.  When  the  enemy  gave  way  in  the  field  on 
the  left  of  the  lane,  they  fell  rapidly  back  to  the  woods,  and  were 
soon  driven  from  this  cover.  But  on  the  right  of  the  lane  my  right 
wing  had  to  advance  much  more  slowly,  against  artillery  and  infan- 
try, and  gradually  drove  the  enemy,  step  by  step,  without  the  aid  of 
artillery,  through  woods  almost  cquiil  in  extent  to  the  woods  and  open 
ground  on  the  left.  The  consequence  wns,  that  the  seventeenth  Ten- 
nessee regiment  gained  the  open  field  beyond  the  woods,  and  advan- 
ced to  the  woods  beyond  the  Federal  hospital,  before  my  right  had 
got  through  the  woods  in  which  this  protracted  struggle  took  place,' 
This  struggle  on  my  right  was  maintained  by  our  troops  with  the 
same  gallantry  and  persistency  as  by  those  on  the  left,  though  that 
struggle  presented  not  the  same  variety  of  phases  as  in  the  latter.  A 
battery  of  the  enemy's  artillery  was  posted  in  the  corn-field  in  ad- 
vance of  the  woods,  on  the  right  of  the  lane.  This  battery  was  re- 
moved before  our  troops  pa.=?sed  out  of  the  woods. 

The  first  serious  conflict  in  which  my  brig:ide  was  engaged  in  this 
battle,  may  be  considered  as  closing  here.  More  than  half  of  the 
whole  loss  of  this  brigade,  in  my  opinion,  occurred  in  the  conflict. 
Without  attempting  to  enumerate  the  loss  in  men,  it  is  known  that  in 
killed  and  wounded  the  forty-fourth  lost  here  its  Major,  eight  officeis, 
and  its  color-btarer ;  the  seventeenth  lost  its  Colonel,  Adjutant,  and 
twelve  company  oflicers  ;  the  twenty-fifth  lost  its  Colonel  and  six 
company  otlicers  ;  the  twenty-third  lost  two  officers  ;  the  thirty- sev- 
enth lost  its  Colonel  and  Lieutenant  Colonel,  One  of  my  staff  was 
also  wounded  by  a  shell. 

The  command  of  the  seventeenth  devolved  on  Lieutenant  Colonel 
W,  W.  Floyd,  and  that  of  the  twenty-fifth  on  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Samuel  Davis,  after  the  Colonels  of  these  regiments  were  wounded, 
which  was  early  in  this  fight.  Colonel  Marks,  of  the  seventeenth 
regiment,  advanced  within  sight  of  the  battery,  afterwards  taken  by 
his  regiment,  and  exclaimed  :  "  Boy&,  do  you  see  that  battery  ?  It  is 
ours,  is  it  not  ?"     It  was,  however,  taken  after  he  was  wounded. 

After  clearing  the  woods,  the  seventeenth  regiment  was  fired  on  by 
the  enemy  stationed  in  and  about  the  cotton  gin,  about  seventy  yards 
in  front  of  a  large  Federal  hospital.  One  piece  of  artillery  was  ob- 
served just  on  the  left  of  the  hospital,  and  a  battery  of  four  guns 


367 

about  three  hundred  jards  to  its  right.  This  battery  was  playing  on 
the  woods  occupied  by  the  right  of  the  brigade,  and  an  undulation  in 
the  ground  served  to  conceal  from  it  the  movements  ofthe  seventeenth 
regiment,  while  that  regiment  passed  some  fifty  yards  to  its  rear,  and 
about  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  from  its  right. 

The  fire  of  the  enemy  in  and  about  the  cotton  gin  was  returned  by 
the  seventeenth  regiment,  killing  and  wounding  several  of  the  enemy  ; 
and  the  conflict  was  kept  up  on  both  sides  until  the  regiirent  had 
passed  the  hospital,  seven  companies  passing  to  the  right  of  the  hos- 
pital and  three  to  the  left.  The  enemy  was  now  observed  forming  at 
the  distance  of  several  hundred  yards  in  front.  The  batter}'^  on  the 
right  moved  off  about  this  time,  leaving  behind  one  piece  of  artillery. 

When  our  troops  approached  the  hospital,  a  second  flag  was  raised, 
and  a  man  came  out  with  another  (a  white  Aug,)  which  he  waved  with 
much  energy.  A  large  number  of  prisoners  had  been  passed  in  the 
woods,  with  whom  our  men  were  prohibited  from  leaving  the  field,  and 
a  number  were  captured  with  the  bpspital.  The  seventeenth  also 
captured  here  two  wagons,  well  loaded  with  nmraunition  for  small 
arms,  an  1  the  cannon  on  the  left  of  the  hospital. 

It  will  be  observed  that  the  lane  Wdich  separated  my  right  from  my 
left  wing,  and  along  each  side  of  which  my  men  moved,  passed  imme- 
diately by  this  Federal  hospital.  The  line  of  march  to  this  hospital, 
for  my  brigade,  was  shorter  than  that  for  any  brigade  or  regiment  on 
my  left.  The  fifth  Confederate  regiment,  commanded  by  Colonel  J. 
A.  Smith,  of  Brigadier  General  L.  Polk's  brigade,  was  the  first  com- 
mand to  reach  the  hospital,  after  the  seventeenth  regiment  Tennessee 
volunteers.  The  officers  of  the  seventeenth  Tennessee  Yegimenturevery 
confident  that  this  regiment  was  the  first  to  reach  and  pass  the  hos- 
pital. Lieutenant  Colonel  Floyd  remarks  that  *'  at  the  time  I  or- 
dered the  charge  into  the  woods  in  front  of  the  hospical.  1  was  at 
least  seventy  yards  in  advance  of  any  other  troops  on  my  left — that 
we  passed  through  the  woods  very-  rapidly,  and  certainly  bad  less 
space  to  puss  over  in  getting  there,  than  any  troops  on  our  left."  There 
may  be  but  little  importance  attached  to  the  taking  of  this  hospital,  and 
but  little  honor  won  in  reaching  this  position  first,  but  as  it  has  been 
made  a  subject  of  some  conflict  in  opinion  between  honorable  men,  hon- 
estly diff'ering  in  their  opinions,  it  is  but  proper  that  the  facts  in  the 
case  should  be  determined.  The  only  interest  which  the  undersigned 
can  have  in  the  matter  arises  from  an  honest  wish  to  havd  justice 
done  to  those  who  have  a  right  to  expect  it  at  his  hands ;  while  he 
trusts  and  believes  they  would  scorn  to  appropriate  [aught  that  was 
not  their  due.* 

Of  Lieut.  Colonel  Floyd,  it  is  just  to  say  that  on  this  field  of  battle 
he  has  shown  himself  to  be  a  good,  faithful,  energetic  and  gallant  ofli- 
cer.  His  cool  judgment  and  courage,  and  ftie  steadiness  with  which 
he  stood  to  his  post  in  every  position  of  his  command,  have  not  per- 
haps been  excelled  by  any  officer  on  the  field  at  Murfreesboro'. 

*  In  regiird  to  the  Federal  hospital  in  controversy,  it  is  hoped  it  may  be  found, 
that,  while  this  brigade  captured  the  one  kno.wn  as  the  ^Jenkins  House,  the  other 
b^rigade  captured  that  known  as  the  widow  Smith's  house. 


868 

In  the  woods  behind  the  hospital,  1  reformed  the  brigade  in  line  of 
battle,  and  obtiiined  a  new  supply  of  cartridges,  the  seventeenth  hav- 
ing  supplied  itself  mainly  from  the  wagons  it  captured.  Captain 
Darden"s  battery  also  came  up  here,  and  took  position  on  the  left  of 
the  brifTade.  About  this  time,  finding  Brigadier  (jerieral  Wood  fall- 
ing back  from  an  advanced  position  on  our  right,  I  learned  from  him 
upon  in(juiry  that  the  enemy  had  a  heavy  battery  in  his  front,  which 
was  doing  much  damage  Under  instructions  from  Major  General  Cle- 
burne, I  sent  forward  a  company  of  sharpshooters,  under  command  of 
Captain  Terry,  of  the  seventeenth,  with  instructions  to  take  off  the  men 
and  horses  of  the  battery.  At  the  same  time.  Captain  Darden's  bat- 
tery, by  direction  of  Major  Ilotchkiss,  moved  to  the  right  of  my 
brigade,  and  into  the  woods  in  advance  of  Brigadier  General  Wood's 
brigade,  and  opened  fire  on  the  advancing  enemy,  driving  them  back. 
Captain  Darden  reports  that  he  then  moved  his  battery  to  the  right, 
into  a  field  in  which  there  was  a  hospital,  about  three  hundred  yards 
from  the  Wilkinson  pike,  and  Jn  conjunction  with  two  guns  of,  he 
thinks.  Captain  Humphries'  battery,  engaged  a  battery  of  the  enemy, 
a-nd  after  a  hotly  contested  fight,  silenced  four  of  his  guns.  In  the 
meantime,  Captain  Terry  advanced,  with  his  company  deployed  as 
bkirraishers,  and  passing  to  the  left  of  the  Wilkinson  pike,  approached 
the  garden  fence  of  the  hospital  to  our  right  and  front,  on  the  north 
side  of  the  AVilkinson  pike,  driving  from  that  fence  the  enemy's  skir- 
mishers, who  took  position  in  the  edge  of  a  cedar  thicket,  to  which  a_ 
heavy  force  of  the  enemy's  infantry  now  advanced,  when  Captain 
Terry  withilrew  his  men  and  joined  his  regiment,  now  in  motion. 

In  the  meantime  I  ^vas  ordered  by  Major  General  Cleburne  to  move 
my  brigade  by  the  left  flank,  across  a  corn-field  on  the  north  side  of 
the  Wilkinson  pike.  On  passing  all  but  the  right  regiment  of  my  brig- 
ade into  the  -woods  beyond  the  corn-field,  I  was  directed  to  move  to 
the  frjiit  in  support  of  Brigadier  General  Bolk's  brigade.  We 
descended  the  slope  of  a  hill,  and  entered  the  cedars  on  a  rocky  ac- 
clivity, some  two  hundred  yards  to  the  left  of  the  position  to  which 
Captain  Terry  had  driven  the  enemy's  skirmishers.  My  men  here 
opened  fire,  when  I  directed  them  to  desist,  believing  that  our  friends 
■were  in  front  of  our  line.  Riding  now  in  advance  of  the  right  of  our 
line,  the,  enemy's  fire  was  unexpectedly  drawn.  After  a  few  rounds 
it  was  found  that  a  heavy  force  was  flanking  our  right,  where  we  were 
■unsupported.  I  consequently  moved  my  command  to  the  rear  in  good 
order.  The  forty-fourth  Tennessee  regiment  reports  twei)ty-one  pris- 
oners captured  here.  Major  McReynolds,  the  last  field  ofiicer  on 
duty  with  the  thirty-seventh,  was  here  mortally  wounded,  and  Captain 
Jarnigan  assumed  command  of  the  regiment.  In  our  rear  there  was 
drawn  up  a  line  of  several  regiments,  some  of  which,  at  least,  be- 
longed to  some  other  cor^s. 

An  order  now  came  to  me  from  General  Cleburne  to  move  my  brig- 
ade to  support  General  Liddell.  After  marching  some  four  hundred 
yards  by  the  left  flank,  "we  moved  to  our  front,  and  passed  north 
through  a  long  wood  lot  projecting  into  open  fields.  Having  re- 
ceived a  message  from  General  Liddell,  through  Colonel  Kelly,  who 


3e» 

was  wounJeil,  to  tl:e  effect,  that  the  aid  of  my  brigade  woulil  r^ut 
the  enomy,  we  came  up  with  General  LiddelTs  brigade  on  .in  ascent 
hevonl  the  edge  of  the  woods.  General  LiddelTs  command  now 
yielded  the  ground  to  ray  men,  and  reformed  un<ler  the  brow  of  & 
f  Jnall  hill,  to  tlie  top  of  which  my  command  ascended. 

Before  us  was  now  mi  open  field,  declining  in  front.  At  the  foot  of 
the  declivity,  at  the  di.-^tance  of  about  four  hundred  y;'.rd^,  wa^  a  bat- 
tery strongly  supported  by  infantry.  My  command  ctc.idily  advanced, 
fighting  under  ^re  from  the  battery  and  infantry.  The  battery  was 
Boon  silenced,  and  our  men  a<lvanced  ^n  double-quick  time  to  a  posi- 
tion behind  a  fence  and  a  ledge  of  rocks.  In  front,  about  eighty 
yards,  was  a  cedar  glade,  in  the  edge  cf  which  the  enemy- were  now 
seen  lying  close  together  along  a  letlge  of  rocks.  Under  cover  of  the 
fence  and  rocks  our  men  took  deliberate  aim  and  poured  upon  the 
enemy  a  destructive  fire,  which  was  returned  with  spirit.  The  con- 
flict lasted  some  twenty  minutes,  when  the  enemy  arose  to  retire.  At 
this  moment  a  volley  was  discharged  upon  them  with  remarkable 
effect,  and  our  men  rapidly  advanced  to  the  cedars,  cnpturing  the  fine 
battery  o'  Parrott  guns  against  v\hivh  they  had  been  fighting, 
and  which  was  now  in  position  on  the  adjacent  flanks  of  the  twenty- 
third  and  seventeenth  Tennessee  regiments.  The  men  of  my  brigade 
then  took  shelter  behind  the  ledge  of  rocks  at  the  edge  of  the  glade, 
and  were  well  covered  from  the  enemy's  fire.  All  concur  in  repre- 
fienting  the  numbei  of  dead  and  wounded  in  the  edge  of  the  cedars a& 
Very  large.  Many  were  lying  side  by  Sride  along  the  ledge,  in  the 
position  they  assumed  to  await  our  approach,  while  others  had  fallet= 
ae  they  turned  to  retreat. 

The  fire  was  still  being  kept  up  on  the  part   of  our  troops,  when  il 
was  observed  that  the  troops  on  our  right,  bearing  colors,  blue  groum's 
and  red  cioss,  were   falling  back,  and  it  was  reported  that  our  right 
was  flanked  by  a  heavy  force.     A  precipitate  retreat  immediately  fol- 
lowed.    My  biigwdehaving  a  strong  position,  held  to  it  with  tenacity, 
and  abandoned  it  with  reluctance  after  a  delay  that   led  to  considera- 
tie  loss.      Here   Captain   Allen,    of  the   Iwenty-third,  who   was   dis- 
tinguished  for  his  valor  and  coolness,  tell,  mortally  wounded.     Capt. 
Orr,  cf  the  seventeenth,  was  killed  in  the  advance.     The  forty  fouith 
lost  two  officers  ;    the  twenty  fifth,   two   lieiftenants,  the  color-bearer 
and  colors.     Major  J.  0   Davis,  of  the  seventeenth,   with  other  offi- 
cers and  men,  were  here  captured.     The  retreat    was    made    without 
order  ;  the  lines  were  broken,  and  men   of  diflferent  regiments,  brig- 
ades, and  divisions  were  scattered  all  over  the  fields.     The  movement- 
was  to  me  totally  unexpected,   and  I  have  yet  to  learn  that  there  ex- 
isted a  cause  commensurate  with  the  demoralization  that  ensued.     At 
the  moment  in  which  I  felt    the   utmost  confidence  in   the  success  of 
our  arms,  I  was  almost  run   over   by   our  retreating  troops.     I  con- 
tended with  the  tide,  step    by  step,  but    made   no   impression   on   the 
retreating  colums  until  they  had  gained  the  woods,  when,  by  calling 
on  a  number  of  color-bearers,  I  succeeded  in  planting   the   colors  of 
several  regiments,   and  the  men  then    assembled  around   them  witb. 
ranks  much  thinned. 
24 


:j7o 

1  cannot  but  think  tlie  whole  ultimate  fortunes  of  the  fieM  ^verc  lost 
I  V  this  backward  movement.  Our  men  were  in  sight  of  the  Nash- 
ville [like  ;  some  have  said  tbej  were  on  it ;  the  encmy^s  right  waa 
doubled  back  upon  their  centre.  Had  we  held  this  position,  the  line 
cf  communication  of  the  enemy  would  have  been  cut  ;  we  could  have 
£anked  them,  and  enliladed  their  whole  line,  wluch  was  no  doubt  in 
disorder.  It  was  unfortunate  that  cur  artillery  was  not  promptly 
iiioved  forward  to  support  us.  My  battery  was  at  this  time  in  posi- 
tkn,  by  order  of  General  Hardee.  I  do  not  think  th^t  our  artillery 
Vff'.s  sufficiently  used  on  our  left.  General  Liddell's  battery  arrived 
Ci:  the  ground,  and  he  proceeded  to  put  it  in  position  for  the  work  to 
I.  e  done,  but  did  not  succeed  in  time  to  open  before  the  retreat  com- 
lasnced.  Had  wo  received  reinforcements  we  might  have  returned, 
and  regained  the  ground  But  very  soon  the  enemy  planted  a  fornnd- 
ftbie  battery  on  an  eminence  near  the  railroad,  sweeping  all  the  open 
fields,  and  commanding  even  the  woods  in  which  our  lines  were  formed. 
The  enemy's  infantry  was  also  brought  forward  and  posted  in  great 
sttength,  so  as  to  be  protected  by  the  side  slopes  of  the  railroad  and 
pike,  and  the  trees  and  rocks  in  the  cedar  glade.  It  would  then  have 
been  very  hazardous  to  assail  them  with  any  force  by  our  former  ap- 
proach. These  facts  I  promptly  communicated  to  Major  Benhara,  of 
General  Cleburne's  staff.  "VVe  now  threw  forward  our  skirmishers  to 
the  fields,  and  prepared  to  hold  our  position. 

Allowing  for  the  ground  we  had  lost,  we  had  driven  the  enemy  back 
two  miles,  and  now  held  our  position  from  three  o'clock  on  Wednes- 
day afternoon,  until  ten  o'clock  on  Friday  night.  Between  the  two 
erraies,  and  beyond  the  available  reach  of  citlier,  tke  ground  was 
Strewn  with  the  dead  and  wounded,  and  with  their  arms  and  accoutre- 
iGcnts.  ]Juring  Wednesday  night,  the  enemy's  army  seemed  to  be 
busy  with  rapid  movements  of  troops,  wagons,  and  artillery.  The  very 
couirnands  of  the  ofiicers  could  be  distinguished,  and  the  rumbling  of 
vagons  seemed  to  commence  on  their  left,  and  die  away  in  the  distance 
Vcyond  their  right.  Towards  the  dawn  of  day  I  felt  confident  that 
ve  could  distinguish  the  peculiar  noise  of  artillery  moving  away,  and 
concluding  that  the  enemy  were  in  full  retreat,  I  stated  this  impres- 
BJon  in  a  note  to  General  Cleburne,  with  the  suggestion  that  our  forces 
ehculd  be  pressed  forward. 

The  ground  in  front  of  our  pickets  was  mainly  occupied  by  the  ene- 
my's wounded  and  dead,  and  the  groans  of  the  former  were  appealing 
for  relief  throughout  the  night.  •  Early  in  the  morning  I  took  with 
ine  a  number  of  men  of  the  infirmary  corps  of  my  brigade,  and  wont 
out  on  the  field  to  carry  off  the  wounded.  A  fiie  had  been  built  for 
a  number  of  them  by  our  pickets,  but  others  had  passed  the  night  in 
the  cold.  We  had  moved  but  a  few  of  them  when  the  enemy's  pickets 
fired  on  us,  and  one  of  their  balls  struck  a  Avounded  Federal  borne 
on  the  shoulders  of  our  men.  Again,  later  in  the  day,  when  one  of 
our  men,  yielding  to  natural  sympathy,  excited  by  the  continued  cries 
of  suffering  humanity,  crawled  to  a  wounded  Federal,  and  was  en» 
deavoring  to  place  him  in  a  comfortable  position,  the  enemy's  pickets 
'shot  tthe  good  Samaritan,  wounding  hiim  in  the  arm. 


371 

During  the  night  of  the  31st  December,  and  day  and  night  of  the 
1st  January,  and  until  ten  o'clock,  P.  M.,  of  the  2d,  we  remained 
inactive  in  our  position  in  the  woods,  occasionally  shelled  hj  the  en- 
emy's batteries,  and  aroused  by  the  firing  of  our  skirmishers  in  front. 
I  suggested  and  urged  the  planting  of  a  heavy  battery  to  my  left  and 
front,  but  my  suggestions  seemed  not  to  be  approved  either  by  artil- 
lery officers  or  my  seniors.  My  cWn  convictionfl  still  approve  this 
suggestion,  convinced  as  I  am  that  on  the  field  of  battle  there  should 
be  no  repose,  and  that  energetic,  judicious,  persistent  action  affords 
the  only  reliable  means  of  success.  Had  this  battery  been  planted,  it 
"vrould  have  proved  a  very  great  diversion  in  favor  of  our  attacking' 
force,  on  tlie  evening  of  Friday,  the  2d  of  January,  as  a  concentra- 
ted fire  could  have  been  thrown  upon  the  enemy's  batter}',  at  perhaps 
a  shorter  distance  than  from  any  other  battery  in  our  lines,  and  w? 
would  then  have  had  a  cross  fire  upon  the  enemj-'s  strongest  position,. 

On  Friday  evening,  1  sent  out,  by  request  of  Major  General  Cle- 
burne, a  party  of  men  to  bring  in  the  guns  lying  near  our  skirmish- 
ers in  front,  and  succeeded  in  bringing  in  a  number,  which  were  car- 
ried from  the  field  by  the  ordnance  officer  of  the  brigade,  Lieutenant 
J.  B.  Lake.  My  men  also  armed  themselves  very  generally  with  long 
range  guns,  by  exchange. 

At  ten  o'clock,  P.  M.,  on  Friday,  the  2d  of  January,  we  were- 
withdrawn  from  the  left  wing  of  our  army,  and  placed  in  support  of' 
Major  General  Breckinridge's  division,  on  the  extreme  right.  Here 
we  remained  in  a  heavy  rain  until  eleven,  P.  M.,  on  Saturday  3d  of 
January,  when  pur  retreat  commenced,  and  continued  througL  the 
very  inclement  weather  of  the  night. 

After  daik  on  the  evening  of  the  4th,  we  halted  and  rested  until 
eight,  A.  M.,  on  the  5th  January,  within  six  and  a  half  miles  of. 
Manchester,  a  number  of  my  men  having  fallen  behind  from  weari-- 
ness  and  other  causes.  In  the  progress  of  this  report,  the  jconduct 
of  men  and  officers  of  the  brigade  has  been  indicated  with  some  par- 
ticularity. 

I  regret  to  state  that,  especially  after  our  first  serious  conflict,  &i 
number  of  men  fell  behind  the  command.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Kee- 
ble,  of  the  twenty-third  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  is  especially- 
worthy  of  notice  for  his  steady  courage  and  the  manner  in  which  he 
handled  his  men,  and  with  the  aid  of  good  company  cfficers,  kept 
them  together  through  all  the  movements  of  the  day  of  battle. 

Colonel  John  S.  Fulton  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  L,  Mc- 
Gwin,  of  the  forty-fourth,  bore  themselves  gallantly,  pressinor  for- 
ward and  encouraging  their  men  in  all  the  dangers  of  the  field. 

Out  of  fifteen  field  officers  tzcelvc  were  present  on  the  field  of  'Oat-. 
tie,  and  but  one  of  them  escaped  untouched  in  person  or  clothes. 

The  forty-fourth  took   into  action  twenty-eight  officers,  and  lost 
nineteen  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

The  seventeenth  took  into  action  forty-one  officers,  and  lost  twen-. 
ty-ono  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

The  twenty-fifth  took  into  action  thirty-seven  officers,  and  lost, 
twelve  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 


372 

The  twenty-third  took  into  action  twenty-throe  officers,  and  loat 
four  killed,  wounded  and  rarssir.g. 

The  thirty-seventh  took  into  action  twenty-five  officers,  and  lost  six 
killed,  wounded  and  mi?sing. 

The  (leneral  and  staff  took  into  action  six  officers,  and  lost  two 
killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

The  following  are  the  casualties  which  occurred,  as  determined  by 
comparison  of  surgeon  and  regimental  reports: 

Regiments.  Killed.  Wounded  Missing. 

17th  rcg't  Tenn.  vols.,  18  176  24 

23d      ♦♦         u         u  4      •  48  11 

25th     "         "         "  13  91  14 

S7th     "         *'         "6  39  1 

44th     "         '*         "  14  134  26 

Jefferson  artillery,  2 

General  and  staff,  2 

Total,  55  492  76 

Grand  total,  .....  623 

I  cannot  close  my  report  without  special  notice  of  Captain  Put. 
Darden  and  the  battery  under  his  command.  The  ability  and  zeal  of 
the  officers  and  men,  as  exhibited  in  the  management  of  the  battery, 
and  in  the  efficiency  and  precisioTi  of  its  fire,  on  this  field  of  battle, 
ranks  it,  in  my  opinion,  among  the  best  batteries  with  the  army  of 
Tennessee. 

My  staff  served  faithfully  and  creditably  in  this  action.  Captain 
R.  B  Snowden,  A.  A.  Gmeral,  was  twice  struck,  and  had  his  horse 
disabled,  and  remained  actively  employed  on  the  field  with  the  com- 
mand. .Captain  William  T.  Blakemore,  aid-de-camp,  was  wich  me 
everywhere  on  the  field,  and  rendered  me  all  assistance  in  his  power. 
Captain  John  Overton,  volunteer  aid,  was  wounded,  and  Captain  Jo, 
II.  Vanleer,  also  volunteer  aid,  after  having  his  horse  disabled,  fought 
an  ranks  with  a  rifle.  Lieutenant  George  H.  Smith,  of  the  regular 
army,  and  my  brigade  inspector,  was  wounded  before  he  reported  to 
me  on  the  field. 

A  rough  map,  exhibiting  the  movements  of  my  brigade  and  battery 
in  the  buttle  before  Murfreesboro',  is  herewith  enclosed. 

The  following  officers  are  known  to  be  prisoners  in  Nashville  : 

Major  Davis,  seventeenth  Tennessee  volunteers. 

Captain  Clark,         "  "  " 

Captain  O'Neil,        "  "  " 

Second  Lt.  Black,    "  " 

First  Lt.  Kimbley,  "  «  «« 

Lieuicnant  Marberry,  not  known. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
BUSHKOD  R.  JOHNSON, 

Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WOOD. 

Headquarters  Wood's  Brigade,      \ 
*  Chburnt's  Division^  Hardee's  Corps,  Army  of  Tennessee,  \ 

Tullahoma,  January  1 1,  18G3.      ) 

Captain  J.  A.  Buck,  A.  A.  G.: 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  orders  from  division  headquarters,  T  submit 
the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  my  brigade  in  the  recent 
battle  befprc  Murfreesboro' : 

On  the  ttorning  of  the  27th  of  December  last,  Lieutenant  General 
Hardee,  who  was  then  in  person  at  our  advanced  post  at  Triune, 
ordered  me,  in  conjunction  with  Brigadier  General  Wharton,  whose 
command  was  then  within  two  miles  of  that  place,  to  skirmish  with 
the  advancing  columns  of  the  enemy.  My  brigade  consisted  of  two 
companies  of  sharpshooters,  the  sixteenth  Alabama,  the  thirty-third 
Alabama,  and  the  forty-fifth  .Vississippi  regiments,  in  all,  abnut  nine 
hundred  and  fifty  men  and  officers.  The  forty-fifth  Missisaipj-i  was 
posted  at  daylight,  about  one  and  a  half  miles  from  Triune,  on  the 
Nolensville  pike,  four  companies  deployed  as  skirmishers  on  the  right 
of  the  road,  three  supporting  a  'section  of  Darden's  battery  on  the 
left,  and  one  deployed  as  skirmishers  on  the  left  flank.  The  enemy 
appeared  at  nine,  A.  M.;  our  battery  opened  on  him.  The  enemy 
attempted,  three  times,  to  place  a  battery  in  position  on  a  hill  five 
hundred  (5i)0)  yards  from  us,  but  was  driven  away  by  our  fire.  His 
cavalry  now  appeared  in  large  numbers  on  both  our  right  and  left 
flanks.  Brigadier  General  Wharton  holding  him  in  check.  It  was 
found  necessary  to  retire  our  guns,  which  I  did,  and  caused  our  skir- 
mishers to  assemble,  and  fall  back  under  the  protection  of  our  cavalry, 
and  return  to  our  second  line,  consisting  of  the  sixteenth  Alabama, 
deployed  .as  skirmishers  on  the  left  of  the  pike,  in  rear  of  Triune, 
the  skirmishers  thrown  forward  on  the  left,  behind  a  stonewall,  near 
the  Franklin'  road.  Darden's  battery  and  Captain  White's,  of  two 
pieces,  of  Brigadier  General  Wharton's  corr.mand,  were  massed  near 
the  turnpike.  The  enemy  soon  possessed  themselves  of  the  heights 
near  Triune.  In  the  meantime,  I  had  detailed  twenty  men  to  report 
to  Captain  J.  A.  Green,  of  the  engineers,  of  Lieutenant  General  Har- 
dee's staff,  who  had  offered  his  services  to  me ;  and  he  had  totally  de- 
molished the  bridge  across  the  stream  just  beyond  Triune.  1  am 
deeplj  indebted  to  Captain  G;een  for  services  rendered  during  this 
day,  in  every  way  evincing  a  zeal  and  kncwedge,  as  well  as  courage, 
worthy  of  the  highest  commendation,  bringing  his  men  away  from  the 
bridge  only  when  the  enemy's  shells  were  falling  in  their  midst — the 
work  having  been  accomplished.  The  enemy's  batteries,  placed  on  a 
hill,  out  of  range  of  our  pieces,  now  opened  upon  us.  I  ordered  the 
guns  behind  the  crest  of  the  ridge.  At  this  time  largo  masses  of  cav 
airy  appeared,  moving  towards  our  left.  They  were  fired  upon  by 
the   six  pieces,  which  were  rapidly  advanced  to  the  top  of  the  hill. 


374 

Many  saddles  were  emptied,  and  the  whole  thrown  into  confusion. 
At  this  time  a  heavy  storm  of  hail  and  rain  beat  in  our  faces,  con- 
cealing the  movements  of  the  enemy.  It  had  not  nbaied  before  lie 
was  found  to  be  advancing  with  a  line  of  infantry,  extiMiding  a  mile  in 
length.  Our  skirmishers  fired  quickly  upon  the  line,  but  seeing  the 
overwhelming  forces  against  us,  (General  Wharton  and  mystlf  con- 
cluded at  once  to  retire.  The  artillery  was  ordered  off.  One  piece 
of  Darden's  had  been  sent  to  the  left,  and  was  four  hundred  yards 
from  the  pike.  The  enemy  made  great  exertions  to  capture  it,  but 
the  coolness  and  courage  of  Cnjitain  Darden,  the  steadiness  of  our 
skirmif^hers  in  assembling  and  firing  on  the  enemy,  the  gallant  con- 
duct of  Captain  White  in  placing  a  piece  of  his  battery  in  position  on 
the  pike,  and  firing  so  rapidly  on  the  advancing  lines  as  to  check 
them,  but  above  all,  the  disposition  of  cavalry  made  by  Brigadier 
General  Wharton,  gave  time  to  bring  it  ofTin  safety.  In  consequence  of 
the  loss  of  the  bridge,  the  enem^'  could  bring  no  artillery  to  bear  on  us. 
One  piece  of  Darden's  was  now  placed  on  the  pike,  and,  firing  upon  the 
enemy,  permitted  our  whole  column  to  retire  in  good  order,  covered 
by  the  cavalry.  We  marched  until  dark,  and  bivouacked  three  miles 
from  the  Eaglesville  pike,  where  I  received  an  order  to  move  at  dawn 
to  Murfreesboro',  which  I  did.  la  this  affair  I  lost  but  six  (G)  men  ; 
as  they  were  left  behind,  I  cannat  say  whether  killed  or  wounded. 
The  enemy  report  their  loss  to  citizens  of  Triune,  and  we  also  have 
it  from  prisoners  captured  at  Murfreesboro',  at  sixty-five  (C5.)  It  is 
now  known  that  McCook's  corps,  of  three  divisions,  was  assailing  us 
on  that  day. 

1  am,  General,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

S.  A.  M.WOOD, 
Brigadier  General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WOOD. 


IIeadquartehs  Wood's  Brigade,       ) 
•     Cleburne's  Dlvisian,  Hardee's  Corps,  > 

Army  of  Tennesse,  Junuarj  llth,  1SG3.  > 

To  Captain  J.  A.  Buck,  A.  A.  General : 

Sir  :  In  obedience  to  orders  from  division  headquarters,  I  submit 
the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  ray  brigade  in  the  rec-rrit 
battles  before  Murfreesboro.: 

Having  arrived  at  jMurfreesboro'  on  Sunday  night,  the  28th  uliir:;0, 
on  Monday  morning  took  my  place  in  line  of  General  Cleburue'^j 
division — being  the  left  ceiitre  brigade — Brigadier  General  Liddell  to 
my  left,  and  Brigadier  Generals  Johnson  and  Polk  on  my  right  Re- 
mained in  this  position  until  Tuesday  evening,  when  I  received  ani 
order  to  follow  Brigadier  General  Johnson's  brigade,  which  I  d:d, 
passing  through  JIurlreesboro'  an(]  across  Stone's'river  to  the  left' of 
our  lines.  1  was  placed  in  position  about  three  hundred  yards  inreir 
of  Brigadier  General  Polk's  brigade.  The  third  Confederate  regi- 
ment, that  had  been  detached,  joined  me.  I  had  now  about  eleven 
hundred  men  for  duty  ^ly  line  was  as  follows  :  Third  Confederate 
regiment,  thirty-third  Alabama,  forty-fifth  Mississippi,  sixteenth 
Alabama  sharpshooters.  We  were  in  line  at  five  o'clock,  W^^'^'^'^'^day 
morning.  Near  daylight  1  received  an  order  to  move  forward  and 
support  Brigadier  General  Polk.  When  we  had  advanced  a  half  m.Io 
firing  commenced  in  front.  A  few  shells  exploded  over  my  lines. 
After  advancing  four  hundred  yards  further,  I  received  an  order  froia 
Lieutenant  General  Hardee,  by  Colonel  Black,  to  move  by  the  right 
flank  and  fill  up  any  vacancy  between  Brigadier  General  Polk's  right 
and  the  left  of  Major  General  Cheatham's  command.  I  marched  by 
the  right  flank  until  I  came  to  the  ninth  Texas  regiment,  which  I  was 
told  belonged  to  General  Cheatham's  division.  1  tiicn  m;ircl.ed  to 
the  front  against  the  enemy.  Skirmishers  were  thrown  out,  who 
quickly  returned  before  a  heavy  fire.  My  brigade  then  aivanced  Id 
a  cedar  glade,  filled  wiih  rocky  crevices,  in  which  the  one  hunire  I 
and  first  Ohio  regiment  lay  concealed,  being  aTout  forty  yards  in 
advance  of  a  brigade,  consisting  of  the  twenty-eighth  Illinois,  twei^- 
ty-first  and  eighty  first  ;ind  fifteenth  Wisconsin.  Firing  continued 
for  several  minutes.  Being  unable  to  see  the  foe,  I  ordere<l  firing  to 
cease.  The  enemy  believing  Ave  were  tgoing  to  retire,  sprang  up, 
when  a  volley  was 'poured  into  them,  at  once  routing  the  brigade, 
which  fled,  leaving  the  colonel  of  the  one  hundred  and  first  Ohio 
regiment,  and  the  tieutenant  colonel  and  major,  dead,  and  a  large  nuia- 
bcr  of  other  field  and  company  officers  on  the  field.  Pursuit  was  ma^'a, 
driving  the  enemy  half  a  mile  through  the  cedars  and  open  wood.^j.  The 
lines  of  ray  brigade  became  broken  in  the  eagerness  of  the  pursuit — 
the  men  of  each  regiment  mixing  together.  As  the  enemy  retiiO'.l 
through  a  piece  of  woods,    extending  forward   betv.een  two  fields,  a 


376 

rmtterj  directly  iri  fiont  of  us  was  fi/in;^  on  us.  At  tltis  point  tli& 
■iglit  of  JTiv  hrigade  cnptureil  a  liosjgtal  of  the  cnciiij  across  the 
Nol'^nsvillu  pike,  containing  many  wounded  oflicers  and  men.  It 
was  held  until  orders  were  given  to  retire.  Tht-  sharpshooters  and 
sixteenth  Ahibamii.  h:ul  posi'ossion  of  the  house,  and  were  threc-quur- 
ters  of  a  m'le  in  advmoe  of  any  part  of  our  lines  at  this  hour,  savd 
the  left-  of  my  hiiL'ade  and  Gt-neral  Polk's  hiigade.  I  haltetl  them,  put 
*hera  in  line,  and  orderetl,  in  conjunction  with  Brigadier  <Jeneral 
Polk,  a  charge  on  a  battery.  The  battery  fled,  however,  before  our 
men.  We  captured  one  caisnon.  AVe  then  pressed  on.  though  new 
dio  lines  of  our  men,  which  should  have  been  on  my  right,  seem  to 
have  halted.  We  passed  rcross  the  field  and  through  a  wood  and 
across  the  Nolensviile  pike,  driving  the  enemy.  Here  wc  entered 
another  field  and  became  engaged  with  a  heavy  force  in  our 
front,  whilst  a  battery  of  several  guns  was  enfilading  our  entire  line. 
The  ammunition  of  several  regiments  became  exhausted,  and  wo 
returned  to  the  wood  for  shelter,  whilst  we  refilled  our  boxes.  At 
this  place  Brig,  (jeneral  Johnson's  brigade  came  up,  and  he  formed  it 
and  marphed  olT  ^o  our  right.  We  soon  followed,  an'l,  by  direction 
of  Major  General  Cheathrim.  took  position  on  the  left  of  Brigadier 
General  1 'oik's  biigade.  The  line  now  marched  against  the  enemy 
for  the  thinl  time.  He  was  again  posted  in  a  dense  cellar  brake.  From 
this  position  our  men  drove  him.  At  thispoi-nt  the  slaughter  seemed 
to  be  greater  than  at  any  other.  We  djove  the  en-omy  out  of  the  woods 
flnd  across  a  field,  under  cover  of  a  large  nutobcr  of  guns,  which  he 
had  collected  at  this  point.  The  fire  from  his  artillery  became  very 
annoying,  and  the  men  took  shelter  in  the  timber.  By  direction  of 
Mijor  General  (.lhea;haifl,  I  sent  forward  about  one  hundred  sharp- 
shooters to  jiick  oil'  his  horses  and  cannoniers,  but  they  could  not 
cover  themselves  fiom  the  fire  of  his  whole  line  of  infantry,  and 
were  forced  ha^-k  to  the  edge  cf  the  field.  About  this  time  Colonel 
Vaughan  came  up  with  his  biigadc,  and  I  directed  it  in  position  on 
my  loft.  It  had  a  f^harp  contest  with  the  enemy,  driving  him  back. 
My  men,  so  reported  by  their  colonels,  having  expended  their  am- 
muiiiiion,  I  foimed  them  in  rear  of  the  cedar  brake,  aiid  C(dlected 
parts  of  several  regimei;^ts,  ■'•vhich  had  become  separated  from  their 
commands,  to  wit :  about  one  hundred  men  of  the  forty-fifth  Ala- 
bama, under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Tilchrist  ;  abol.t  seventy  men  of  the 
qr-^t  Louisiana  infantry,  under  a  captain;  a  part  of  a  Mississippi 
regiment  of  another  corps — all  of  which  I  couducte<i  to  the  wood 
near  our  ammunition  wagons.  At  this  point,  1  received  notice  from 
a  staff  officer,  thai;  our  left  was  certainly  threatened  by  the  enemy's 
cavalry  and  infantry,  whicR  I  immediately  communicated  to  Lieu- 
tenant General  Hardee,  who  ordered  me  to  take  a  position  and  pro- 
tect our  ordnance  trains.  I  ordered  the  trains  to, move  between  my 
line  and  Murfreesboro',  and  threw  out  a  strong  picket,  about  five 
hundred  yards  in  advance,  facing  our  lefc  fi.ink,  anil  bivouacked  tor 
the  night.  Early  the  next  moining  I  retook  my  position  in  line  of 
battle,  immediately  in  rear  of  the  cedar  brake,  where  our  last  fight 
with   the   enemy  occurred — Brigadier    General    Liddell  on    my  left 


577 

and  Brigadier  General  Johnson  on  my  fight.  We  remained  in  line 
of  battle,  our  skirmishers  fighting  frequently  in  front,  and  tlie  enemy 
shelling  the  wood  at  riindoiii  dui  ing  the  day.  About  two  o'clock,  I 
was  ordered  by  Major  General  Cleburne  to  move  my  brigade  forward 
to  a  white  house,  which  it  had  been  ascertained  the  enemy  had  used 
as  a  hospital — to  develop  his  lines  ard  ascertain  his  force.  The.brig- 
ade  moved  promptly  across  a  corn-field  about  half  a  mile.  As  soon 
as  we  had  shown  ourselves  in  the  field,  a  terrific  fire  of  shell,  grape  shot, 
and  JMinnie  balls,  fell  arouml  us.  The  brigade  pressed  on.  firing.  As 
soon  as  it  reached  a  depression  in  the  ground  near  the  hospital  it  was 
ordered  to  halt  ar.d  lie  do'.vn.  The  order  was  obeyed,  but  in  a  few 
moments  a  part  of  the  forty-fifth  Mis.-iesippi,  which  was  on  the  ri^ht, 
advanced  be\orid  the  general  line  to  some  out- houses,  perhaps,  for 
protection.  The  enemy's  whole  line  opened  upon  us,  and  a  biit^iideof 
four  large  regiments  began  to  move  around  our  left  fiank.  Our  line 
was  now  vertical  to  the  gencrul  line  of  our  forces,  and  three-quarters 
of  a  mile  iti  advance.  Killing  to  the  right  to  acquaint  Major  General 
Cleburne  of  these  facts,  I  met  Captain  White,  of  Lieutcnnnt  General 
Hardee's  staff,  who  informed  me  that  the  Genernl  desired  that  no  gen- 
eral action  should  be  brought  on.  I  iminediotely  ordereil  the  brigade 
to  fall  back,  passing  over  the  crest  of  a  hill  to  the  rear.  This  move- 
ment was  executed  in  good  order,  though  the  command  suffered 
severely  from  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  and  about  sixty  men,  refusing  to 
come  back,  were  left  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  The  brigade  was 
now  permitted  by  the  Miijor  General,  in  consequence  cf  its  recent 
fatiguing  duties,  to  r<nurn  to  Stone's  river,  cook  rations,  and  rest 
for  the  night  On  the  morning  of  the  2d  day  of  January,  by  order 
of  Major  General  Cleburne,  the  brigade  was  placed  in  line  of  battle 
on  the  extreme  left  of  our  lines,  in  ichiion,  supporting  Brigadier 
General  Liddell,  in  which  position  it  remained  aw.iiting  the  approach 
of  the  enemy,  or  orders,  during  the  day  and  night.  'J'he  enemy 
shelled  the  woods  in  which  we  were  frequently  during  the  day,  and 
at  night  pushed  forward  a  regiment  at  different  hours  on  our  skir- 
mishers, who  were  promptly  drawn  back.  Just  before  daylight  thro 
brigade  moved  with  the  dix-ision  to  the.  right  of  the  army,  occupying 
nearly  its  original  position  in  the  line  of 'batjle,  where  it  remained 
until  eleven  o'clock  that  night,  when,  by  order,  it  retired. 

I  have  to  remark  ihat  in  this  battle  the  brigade,  with  some  few  ex- 
ceptions, which  are  noted  in  the  reports  of  my  colonels,  behaved  with 
great  gallantry.  The  men  went  into  action  with  a  spirit  and  deter- 
mination never  before  so  clearly  shown,  and  endured-all  the  fatigues 
without  a  murmur.  To  ray  officers  commanding,  I  beg  leave  to  call 
attention.  Colonel  Wm.  B.  Wood,  of  the  sixteenth  Alabama,  was 
always  in  the  lead.  Located  on  tlie  right,  and  subjected  by  our  posi- 
tion to  a  cross  fire,  from  the  fact  that  the  lines  to  our  riglit  were 
always  behind  us,  he  carried  his  regiment  forward,  dri-ving  the  enemy 
before  him.  Colonel  Adams,  of  the  thirty-third  Alabama,  an<i  Lieu- 
tenant  Colonel  Charlton'  of  tho  fcrty-fifih  Mississijpi;  rlso,  Major 
Nunn,  of  that  regiment,  and  Major  Cameron,  of  the  tjiird  Confede- 
rate regiment,  are  deserving  of  particular  notice.     Captain  Hawking, 


378 

of  the  sharpshooters,  distinguished  himself  in  his  action.  I  call  at- 
tention to  the  reraarks  of  Major  Cameron  with  regard  to  Adjutant 
Frank  Foster,  of  the  forty-fifth  Mississippi.  To  iny  staff,  1  am 
greatly  indebted.  Captain  Palmer,  A.  A.  General,  was  always  in  the 
van,  and  was  f,urpassed  bj  no  one  in  deeds  of  valor;  as  also  my  aid- 
de-Cifmp,  Captain  Wm  Simpson ;  also,  Captains  l^ledge,  Coleman, 
and  my  volunteer  aid,  Captain  Shorter,  who  was  wounded.  Lieuten- 
ant J.  Percy  Walker,  .my  assistant  inspector  general,  is  deserving  of 
special  notice  for  gallant  services  performed  on  this  occasion,  from 
first  to  la?t. 

In  conclusion,  the  brigade  commander  expresses  the  opinion  that  in 
this  buttle,  the  eleven  hundred  men'  he  took  into  action  vindicated  by 
their  blood  ihe  deteiminatiun  of  our  people  to  conquer  tlieir  freedocQ 
or  die  in  the  struggle — five  hundred  and  four  having  been  killed, 
Avounded,  or  captured  in  this  battle.  Many  of  them,  who  are  noted 
as  missing,  were  killed  or  Avounded.  The  command  is. ready  to  meet 
the  enemy  agai'n. 

With  great  respect,  vour  obedient  servant, 

S.  A.  M.  WOOD, 
Brigaditr  Gejural  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  PRESTON  SMITH. 

Headquarters  Fourth  Brigade,  First  Division,  ^ 
Polk's  Corps,  Army  of  Tennessee,       > 
January  10,  1863.  ) 
Captain  John  Ingham,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Captain  :  Herewith  I  submit  the  report  of  Captain  Scott,  com- 
manciing  light  battery  attached  to  tcy  brigade,  of  the  part  taken  by 
bis  command  in  the  engagement  with  the  enemy,  on  Friday  and  Sa- 
turday, 2d  and  3d  inftaots.  My  brigade  reioained  in  line  of  battle 
both  of  these  days;  but,  with  the  exception  of  skirmishing  between 
our  pickets  and  those  of.  the  enemy,  nothing  worthy  of  note  occurred. 
On  Saturday  night  my  command,  in  obedience  to  orders,  was  retired 
in  the  direction  of  Shelby  ville. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

PRESTON  SMITH, 
Brigadier  General  commending. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GHMERAL  MAURY. 


% 


Headquarters  M -.'jry's- HiucAOK,  Cheatham's  PivisIon,  ^ 

I'olk's  Corps,  Armv  ok  1'I!;N^K^SEE.       > 

Camp  near  ShelbyvUk,  Tenn.^  January  15,  1863.  ) 

Miijor  John  Ingram^  A.  A.  G. :  , 

Sir  :  I  respectfiillj  submit  the  following  report  of  the  action  of  my 
tomtnt'.nd  in  the  battle  near  Murfreesbcro',  Tennessee,  on  theSIst 
ultimo.  It  consisted  of:  First  ami  twenty-seventh  Tennessee,  (con- 
solidatel,)  Colonel  II.  R.  FicM,  commamling  ;  fourth  Confederate 
regiment  (Tennessee.)  Colonel  A.  A.  McMurray  commanding  ;  sixth 
and  ninth  Tennessee  negijnents,  (consolidated,)  Colonel  C.  S.  Hurt 
commanding;  Smith's  field  battery,  four  guns,  two  t\Yelve-p(niiider 
Napoleons  and  two  twelve-pounder  howitzers,  First  Lieutenant  Wm. 
B.  Turner,  commanding. 

The  battalions  were  arranged  in  line  of  battle,  from  right  to  left, 
in  the  order  above  mentioned.  My  brigade  was  on  outpost  duty  at 
Stewart's  creek,  on  the  Nashville  and  Murfreesboro'  pike,  when  the 
onem?  commenced  his  advance  from  ^^ashville  ;  and  on  the  aft;-rnoon 
of  Friday,  26th  December,  hearing  firing  in  front,  I  moved  forward 
with  my  command  to  Lavergne,  a  point  on  the  pike  midway  between 
Nashville  and  Mu^frcesboro',  and  about  fifteen  miles  distance  from 
each,  where  Brigadier  General  Wheeler  was  stationed  with  his  cav- 
alry command.  Here  indications  sonn  convinced  me  the  enemy  was 
engaged  in  a  general  forward  movement  ;  and,  on  consultation  with 
General  Wheeler,  it  was  deterinincd  to  so  advise  the  commanding 
General.  Next  morning  the  opinion  was  confirmed  as  to  the  move- 
ment of  the  enemy;  and,  according  to  instructions,  in  conjunction 
with  the  cavalry,  I  fell  back  slowly,  skirmishing  with  his  advance  and 
returdirig  his  progress,  until  advised  all  was  ready  for  aciion  near 
^Turfreesboro'. 

My  command  reached  its  camp  aear  Murfrcesboro'  on  Sunday  fol- 
lowing, prepared  ration",  and  rested  there  that  night.  Next  morning 
I  moved  to  my  position  in  line  of  battle,  on  the  west  bank  of  Stone's 
river,  between  Wilkinson  pike  and  the  Franklin  road,  beii.g  the  third 
brigade  from  the  right  of  Gener-al  Cheatham's  division,  which  was 
formed  in  rear  of  and  as  a  t;up[orting  line  to  that  of  M:ijor  General 
Withers,  my  brigade  being  directly  in  rear  of  and  supporting  the  one 
commanded  by  Colonel  Manigault.  In  the  afternoon  1  moved  to  the 
left,  as  support  to  Robinson's  battery,  which  engaged  a  portion  of  the 
enemy,  and  bivouacked  that  night  Avith  my  left  fhink  resting  on  the 
Franklin  idad.  Next  morning  I  r:!turned  to  ray  position  in  rear  of 
Colonel  Maniganlt,  and  there  remained  until  I  movci  into  action 
Wednesday  morning. 

My  understanding  of  instructions  as  to  our  plan  of  action  was, 
that  our  troops  on  the  extreme  left  were  to  attack  the  enemy  in  his 
right  flank,  and,  as  he  was  *driven  down  the  front  of  our  lines  towards 


381 

his  centre,  we  were  to  enter  the  action  Buccesslvely  by  bri^jade,  each 
brigade  attacking  the  line  immeuiately  in  front,  and  swinging  to  the 
right,  so  as  to  keep  up,  as  far  as  possible,  continued  pressing  on  the 
enemy's  flank,  our  alignment  to  be  held  towards  our  pivot  flank. 

Under  this  order,  about  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  Wednesday,  I  com- 
menced  moving  forward  in  support  of  Colonel  Manigault.  In  a  short 
time  I  was  under  the  enemy's  fire,  and  after  advancing  about  one 
thousand  yards  from  my  position,  met  Colonel  Mani;j;ault,  who  in- 
formed me  that  after  driving  the  enemy  from  his  immediate  front,  he 
was  compelled  to  fail  back  by  a  ruinous  fire  on  his  right  flank  from 
two  of  the  enemy's  batteries.  These  butteries  were  some  six  hun- 
dred yards  apart;  one  on  quite  a  high  ridge  obliquely  to  my  front 
and  right,  across  open  ground,  towards  the  Ilirding'house  ;  the  other 
was  directly  to  my  right,  and  could  be  approached  under  shelter  of 
the  woods  in  which  it  was  planted.  The  battery  on  the  ridge  was 
firing  actively,  and  the  two  were  so  relaced,  in  support  of  each  other, 
that  an  attacking  force  again^^i  either  singly  from  our  position  would 
be  exposed  to  flank  or  oblique  fire  from  the  ether;  and  to  avoid  this  it 
was  instantly  arranged  that  Colonel  Manigault  should  change  his 
front  to  the  right  and  engage  the  battery  in  the  woods,  while  I  at- 
tacked the  one  in  the  open  ground.  In  accordance  with  this  plan, 
Colonels  Field's  and  McMurrav'=  regiments  were  ordered  to  change 
direction  to  the  right  for  attack  upon  the  battery,  and  Colonel  Hurt, 
with  his  regiment,  .was  detached  from  his  line  and  advanced  directly 
forward  to  occupy  a  skiit  of  woods  about  three  hundred  yards  to  his 
front,  for  the  purpi;se  of  protecting  the  other  two  regiments  from 
flank  fire  during  their  movement  upon  the  battery,  with  instructions 
that  if  he  engaged  no  enemy  in  these  woods,  to  move  rapidly  forward 
to  his  place  on  the  left  of  ray  line.  These  movements  were  executed 
with  spirit  and  promptness,  but  the  enemy,  seeing  the  approach  of  a 
fresh  line,  hastily  withdrew  his  battery  and  its  support  from  the  ridge. 
My  own  battery  was  hurried  into  position,  and  delivered  several  shots 
upon  his  retiring  force.  Seeing  the  enemy  retiring,  the  movement  of 
my  line  was  changed  more  sharply  to  the  right,  throwing  a  small  part 
of  it  into  the  woods  on  my  right,  and  the  remainder  moving  rapidly 
forward  to  the  ridge  top  he  had  abandoned.  A  short  delay  being  ne- 
cessary for  Colonel  Manigault  to  reform  his  brigade,  my  own  got  con- 
siderably in  advance,  and  the  battery  in  the  woods  opened  on  my  right 
regiment.  Colonel  Fields  at  first  took  this  to  be  our  own  battery,  and 
ordered  his  regiment  to  lie  down  without  firing,  though  he  was  within 
two  hundred  yards  of  it ;  nor  was  the  mistake  discovered  until  one 
messenger  to  stop  its  fire  had  be:n  killed,  and  another  narrowly  es- 
caped the  same  fate.  His  regiment  was  then  ordered  to  fire,  and  with 
the  aid  of,  I  think,  a  portion  of  Colonel  Manigault's  brigade,  which 
came  up  on  the  right,  soon  silenced  the  battery. 

Meanwhile,  my  other  two  regiments  having  attained  the  ridge  top 
in  the  open  field  but  just  abandoned  by  tbe  enemy,  were  met  by  a  fu- 
rious shelling  from  a  battery  in  plain  view,  about  five  hundred  yards 
distant,  and  just  across  the  Wilkinson  pike.  The  word  coming  to  me 
from  my  right  that  we  were  being  fired  on  by  our  own  battery,  led 


883 

me  to  take  the  one  across  the  road  to  be  alluded  to — that  in  the  woods 
being  at  the  moment  hidden  from  my  sight.  Under  these  circum- 
stances my  line  was  ordered  to  lie  down,  and  staff  officers  Sent  in- 
stantly to  the  right  for  accurate  information.  My  !)attle-ilag  was 
conspicuously  diisptaycd  from  the  ri.lge  top,  but  in.stead  of  diminish- 
ing seen)ed  only  to  attract  t-ic  fire  of  the  battery  across  the  road. 
Next  moment  suspicion  became  certainty  as  to  thi.s,  by  discovering 
the  flag  of  the  enemy  in  the  woods  to  the  right  of  and  near  it.  His 
purpose  in  withdrawing  from  tlie  ridge  was  now  pliin.  The  ground 
between  my  line  and  the  Wilkinson  pike,  a  distance  of  from  four  to 
five  hundred  yards,  was  an  open  field,  sloping  gratluaily  to  the  pike; 
on  the  opposite  or  north  side  of  which,  and  direct  in  my  tVont,  was 
a  thick  wood,  affording  good  cover.  The  enemy  had  withdrawn  from 
the  ridge  1  now  occupied,  and  posted  his  infantry  in  these  woods,  and 
established  his  battery  so  as  to  rake  the  field  l>etween  us  with  an  oblique 
fire  from  my  front  and  right.  Evidently  his  disposjtiona  were  ma.'e 
in  expectation  of  ray  moving  directly  over  this  field  against  him. 
/Fortunately,  however,  the  ridge  he  had  abandoned  commanded  the 
new  position  he  had  taken,  and  finding  an  excellent  location  for  ray 
battery,  I  got  it  instantly  in  position,  and  opened  upon  him  with  ad- 
mirable effect,    my  infantry  line  lying  down  the  while  for  protection. 

For  a  short  time  the  artillery  fire  was  hot  ami  spirited,  but  Turner's 
Napoleons  and  twelve  pounder  howitzers,  being  in  easy  range  and 
aided  by  advantage  of  position,  wore  more  than  the  enemy  could 
stand.  His  battery  was  soon  silenced,  and  his  infantry  in  retreat 
under  our  fire.  About  this  time  Major  General  Cheatham  came  in 
person  to  my  line,  and  Colonel  Manigault  reported  his  brigade  re- 
formed and  again  ready  to  advance.  By  order  of  the  Major  General, 
Colonel  Manigault  was  moved  from  my  right  to  my  left,  and  we  moved 
across  the  field  in  line  together,  bearing  sharply  to  the  right.  General 
Cheatham  accompanying  us.  Jn  thi.s  movement  my  centre  regiment 
passed  over  the  four  guns  just  beyond  the  pike  with  which  my  battery 
had  been  engaged,  and  which  were  too  much  disabled  to  be  carried  off 
in  the  enemy's  fiight. 

My  line,  after  crossing  the  pike,  was  inclined  to  theleft,  and  moved 
down  through  the  cedar  brake  between  the  Wilkinson  and  Nashville 
pikes.  The  enemy  fied  before  us,  without  making  any  stand  in  these 
woods,  but  in  a  short  time  opened  a  furious  shelling  from  his  main 
position  near  the  Nashville  pike.  My  cmnmand  was  halted  at  the 
northern  margin  of  this  cedar  brake,  in  line  with  other  brigades  on 
my  right ;  and  in  a  short  time  Major  General  MiCown's  division  came 
forward,  in  prolongation  to  my  left.  During  the  afternoon  the  bulk 
of  our  left  and  centre  forces  were  concentrated  in'  these  woods,  and 
formed  in  two  lines,  apparently  in  anticipation  of  the  enemy  making 
an  attack  to  regain  the  field  from  which  he  had  been  driven.  My 
command  remained  in  position  here  in  the  front  line  until  Friday 
evening,  when  I  was  ordered  to  take  position  to  the  right,  in  support 
of  our  batteries  near  the  Cowan  house.  At  daylight  Saturday  morn- 
ing I  was  ordered  back  to  position  in  the  cedar  brake,  from  which  I 
came  the  preyious  evening,  and  remained  there  until  our  army  retired 


383 

from  Murfreesboro',   my  brigade  bringing  up  the  rear  on  the  Shelby- 
ville  road. 

t  cannot  close  my  report  of  this  memorable  battle  yrithout  express- 
ing my  highest  satisfaction  -in  the  conduct  of  ray  entire  comm'-and. 
During  the  main  engagement,  and  the  frequent  and  severe  shelling  to 
which  thoy  were  exposed  for  the  three  days  following,  they  exhibited 
the  steady  and  reliable  courage  of  veterans.  Exposure  to  cold  and 
drenching  rain,  added  to  the  fatigue  of  the  battle,  could  not  fail  in 
wearing,  to  some  extent,  their  bodies  ;  but  under  all  the  dangars  and 
hardships  incident  to  the  time,  the  morale  evinced  was  adrtiirable. 
Truly  they  bore  themselves  as  soldiers  comprehending  the  stake  in- 
volved. My  battalion  commanders,  Colonels  Fields,  Hurt,  and  Mc- 
Muvray,  have  my  thanks  for  their  gallantry  and  efficiency  duf  ing  the 
entire  action ;  and  I  refer  to  their  reports,  filed  with  this,  for  particu- 
lars as  to  their  officers  and  men.  Also,  I  feel  it  proper  to  mention 
First  Lieutenant  Turner,  commanding.  First  Lieutenant  Chandler 
Smith,  and  Second  I.iieuten'int  Charles  Lngraham,  of  my  battery,  for 
their  goo3  Qonduct,  and  with  them  thank  their  commander,  for  the 
excellent  manner  in  which  their  guns  were  served. 

My  staff — Captain  Malone,  assistant  adjutant,  general  ;  Captain 
Cockrill,  acting  ordnance  officer  and  aid ;  Lieutenant  Keeble,  acting 
assistant  inspector  general  and  aid — all  have  my  thanks  for  valuable 
services  and  assistance.  Captain  R.  II.  Harrison,  of  the  ninth  Ten- 
nessee regiment,  having  been  temporarily  relieved  from  his  regulir 
Command  by  the  consolidation  of  his  regiment,  and  Hon.  John  F. 
Houqo,  acted  on  my  staff  as  volunteer  aids,  and  exhibited  both  prompt- 
ness and  daring  throughout  the  action.  In  the  latter  part  pf  the  day 
Captain  Trezevant,  first  Louisiana  regiment,  reported  to  me,  stating 
himself  disabled  by  a  vround  for  duty  on  foot,  but  anxious  to  render 
what  service  he  could  mounted.  Under  these  circumstances  I  accep- 
ted lis  services,  and  thank  him  for  bearing  several  orders  to  different 
parts  of  the  field. 

1  have  previously  furnished  a  statement  of  the  losses  from  my 
command. 

Very  respectfully, 

GEO.  MAURY,  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  P.RTGADIER  GENERAL  DONELSON. 

Headquarters  Fikrt  BRicAnK,  FinsT  Div  ,  P  C„  A   T.,  ) 

*  ShelhyvUle,  Tenn.^  January  3(',  16.63,  S 

Major  JoMN  In*. ram,  A.  A.  General: 

I  have  the  honor  to  submit  a  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  first 
brifjadc  in  the  late  engagement  with  the  enemy  before  Murfreesboro*. 

The  brigade  was  composed  of  the  following  regiments  and  battery, 
viz  :  sixteenth  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  John  M,  Savage  ;  the 
thirty  eighth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  John  C.  Carter; 
the  fifty-first  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  John  Chester, 
eighth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  Wra.  L  Moore;  eighty- 
fourth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  Colonel  T.  S.  Stanton,  and 
Captain  Carne's  battery.  The  eighty- fourth  regiment  being  a  very 
new  and  small  regiment,  was  a-^signcd  to  my  command  on  the  morning 
of  the.*j9th  December,  kJ62,  only  two  days  before  the  battle. 

In  obedience  to  orders  the  tents  were  struck  and  the  wagons  packed 
and  sent  to  the  rear,  Sunday  night,  27th  ultimo.  At  daylight  on 
Monday  morning,  the  brigatle  was  moved,  and  assumed  its  line  of  bat- 
tle— two  companies  of  Colonel  Savage's,  the  right  regiment,  extending 
across  the  railroad,  and  Carter's,  the  left  regiment,  across  the  Wilkin- 
Bon  pike,  its  left  resting  on  the  right  of  General  Stewart's  brigade. 
This  line  of  battle,  with  General  Chalmers'  brigade  in  front,  which 
mine  was  to  support,  was  formed  on  the  brow  of  the  hill,-  about  three 
hundred  yards  in  a  southeast  direction  from  the  White  house,  known 
as  Mrs.  James'.  That  position  was  retained  under  an  occasional  shell- 
ing, with  but  few  casualties,  until,  dark  Tuesday  evening,  when,  in 
obedience  to  orders  from  Lieutenant  General  Polk,  the  brigade  was 
moved  forward  to  the  front  line  to  relieve  General  Chalmer's  brigade, 
whicdi  had  already  held  that  position  three  days  and  nights.  Before 
day  the  brigade  returned  to  its  proper  position,  and  General  Chalmers* 
brigide  resumed  its  place  on  the  front  line. 

Durii.g  the  night  a  general  ordc?r  was  received  from  General  Bragg, 
directing  a^  vigorous  and  persistent  attack  at  daylight,  by  our  left  wing, 
on  the  right  of  the  enemy,  the  whole  of  both  lines  conforming  to  the 
movements  of  the  left  wing,  graduall}'  wheeling  and  attacking  the  ene- 
my, as  soon  as  the  advance  of  the  left  wing  should  justify  it.  Orders 
were  recived  fiom  Lieutenant  General  l\)lk,  directing  me  to  conform 
the  movements  of  rny  brigade  to  those  of  General  Chalmers'  brigade, 
always  keeping  a  close  supporting  distance,  about  two  thousand  feet 
in  rear,  and  to  support  it  promptly  when  ordered.  Orders  also  came 
from  Major  General  Cheatham,  directing  me  to  obey  any  orders  which 
I  might  receive  from  Major  General  Withers,  who  gave  me  orderi? 
fiimilar  to  those  of  Lieutenant  General  Polk. 

In  obedience  to  the  foregoing  orders,  I  moved  my  brigade,  saving 
Stanton's  regiment,  forward  at  ten  o'clock,  Wednesday  morning',  Slst 


385 

December,  the  right  being  tlj^e  directing  regiment,  and  the  railroad 
the  line  of  direction,  until  it  reached  the  first  lino  from  which  General 
Chalmers'  brigade  had  started,  where  it  was  halted  until  orders  should 
be  received  to  advance  to  the  support  of  General  Chalmers.  From 
the  moment  I  moved  from  mj  first  position  in  the  morning  until  dark 
that  night,  my  brigade  was  constantly  under  fire  of  shot  and  shell 
from  the  enemy's  batteries,  and  it  sustained  more  or  less  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded,  on  every  part  of  the  field  to  winch  it  was  assigned  for 
duty.    This  accounts  to  some  extent  for  the  heavy  loss  it  sustained. 

Colonel  Stanton's  regiment,  bejug  a  new  and  small  one,  and  having 
received  its  arms  only  the  day  before,  I  deemed  it  best  to  leave  in  the 
rear  in  support  of  Captain  Carne's  battery,  and  consequently  gave, 
the  requisite  orders  for  that  purpose.  The  brigMe  had  occupied, its., 
position  along  the  front  line  behind  Chalmers'  breastworks  only  a  few 
minutes,  when  General  Chalmers  having  received'a  severe  wound,  hig 
brigade  was  broken,  and  the  greater  part  of  it  fell  back  in  disorder 
and  confusion.  Under  orders  from  Lieutenant  General  Polk,  I  im- 
mediately advanced  my  brigade  to  its  support  (inder  a  shower  of  shot 
and  shell  of  almost  every  discription.  During  this  advance  ifiy  horse 
was  shot  under  me,  from  which,  and  another  wound  received  at  the 
Cowan  house',  it  died  during  the  day. 

In  advancing  upon  and  attacking  the  enemy  under  such  a  fire,  my 
bjigade  found  it  impossible  to  preserve  its  alignment,  because  of  the 
walls  of  the  burnt  house  known  as  Cowan's,  and  the  yard  and  garden 
fence  and  picketing  left  standing  around  and  about  it ;  in  consequence 
of  which  Savage's  regiment  with  three  companies  of  Chester's  regi- 
ment, went  to  the  right  of  the  Cowan  house,  and  advanced  upon  the 
enemy  until  they  were  checked  by  three  batteries  of  the  enemy,  with 
a  heavy  infantry  support  on  the  hill,  to  the  right  of  the  railroad, 
while  the  other  two  j-egiments,  (Carter's  and  Morris')  with  seven  com- 
panies of  Chester's  regiment,  went  .to  the  left  of  that  house,  througJi 
a  most  destructive  cross  fire  both  of  artillery  and  small  arms,  driving 
the  enemy  and  sweeping  everything  before  them,  until  they  arrived  ac 
the  open  field  beycnd  the  cedar  brake,  in  a  northwest  direction  from 
the  Cowan  house,  when  having  exhausted  their  ammunition,  they  ra~ 
turned  to  the  Wilkinson  pike  in  order  to  reform  their  regiments  and 
replenish  their  cartridge  boxes.  The  two  regiments  and  seven  com- 
panies that  went  to  the  left  of  the  Cowan  house,  charged,  drove,  and 
pursued  the  enemy  very  rapidly,  loading  and  firing  as  they  advanced, 
and  did  great  execution. 

In  the  charge,  immediately  upon  entering  the  woods,  after  leaving 
the  Cowan  house,  we  had  to  deplore  the  loss  of  Colonel  W.  L,  Moore, 
of  the  eighth  regiment  Tennessee  volunteers,  when  the  command 
devolved  upon  the  gallant  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  11.  Anderson, 
who  proved  himself  fully  equal  to  the  responsible  post  he  had  been 
80  suddenly  called  upon  to  assume.  Colonel  Moore's  horse  was 
killed  under  and  fell  upon  him.  Disengaging  himself  as  soon  as 
possible,  he  advanced  in  front  with  his  regiment  only  a  short;  distance, 
irhen  he  was  shot  through  the  heart  and  instantly  killed.  His  fate 
was  that  which,  if  he  must  fall,  he  bimBelf  would  have  choses,  dyiog 
25 


SSG 

i;pon  thf  field  of  his  giory,  hi.s  regiment  fighting  most  gallantly 
around  him,  tind  he  himself  in  the  full  aj^d  energetic  discharge  of  his 
vhole  duty,  without  a  parg  and  without  a  struggle.  In  the  deiUh  of 
Colonel  Moore  the  service  hai-  lost  one  of  its  most  valuable  officers,  the 
country  a  devoted  patriot,  and  the  community  in  which  he  lived  an 
c^cc^lent  and  most  estimable  citizen.  In  the  charge  through  the 
cedar  brake  to  the  left  of  the  Cowan  house,  Colonel  Carter's  report 
shows  tliat  his  regiment  captured  seven  pieces  of  artillery  and  several 
hundred  prisoners,*  and  Lieutenant  Qolouel  Anderson  that  his  rogi- 
tnent  captured  six  pieces  of  artillery  and  about  four  hundred 
prisoners.  It  is  possible  that  these  gentlemen,  with  the  most  honest 
intention  and  in  perfect  good  faith,  may  have  counted  some  of  the 
same  guns  as  being  captured  by  their  respective  regiments,  but  I  am 
satisfied,  upon  a  full  conversation  with  them  all,  and  a  knowledge  of 
the  ground  over  which  they  passed,  and  the  position  and  movements 
cf  other  troops  upon  the  same  field,  that  the  brigade  captured  at  least 
eleven  pieces  of  •artillery  and  over  a"  thousand  prisoners.  Colonel 
Savage's  regiment,  with  three  companies  of  Colonel  Chester's,  held, 
in  my  judgment,  the  central  position  of  that  part  of  the  field,  unable 
to  advance  and  determined  not  to  retire.  Having  received  a  mea- 
gage  from  Lieutenant  General  Polk  that  1  should,  in  a  short  time,  bo 
reinforced  and  properly  supported,  I  ordered  Colonel  Savage  to  hold 
his  position  at  all  hazards,  and  I  felt  it  to  be  my  duty  to  remain  with 
that  part  of  the  brigade  holding  so  important  and  hazardous  a  posi- 
tiop  as  that  occupied  by  hiui.  Colonel  Savage,  finding  the  line  he 
had  to  defend  entirely  too  long  for  the  number  of  men  under  hia 
command,  and  that  there  was  danger  of  his  being  flanked  either  to 
the  right  or  left,  as  the  one  or  the  other  wing  presented  the  weaker 
front,  finally  threw  out  the  greater  part  of  his  commaml  as  skirm- 
jahers,  as  well  to  deceive  the  enemy  as  to  our  strength  in  his  rear,  as 
to  protect  his  long  line  and  hold  his  position,  a^nd  held  his  position 
with  characteristic  energy  and  most  commendable  tenacity  for  over 
three  hours.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time,  Jackson's  brigade  came 
up  to  my  support ;  but,  instead  of  going  to  the  right  of_the  Cowan 
house  and  to  the  support  of  Colonel  S ivage,  it  went  to  the  left  of  the 
house  and  over  tb6  ground  which  the  two  left  regiments  and  seven 
companies  of  my  brigade  had  already  gorle  over.  After  Jackson's, 
General  Adams'  brigade  came  up  to  the  support  of  Colonel  Savage, 
when,  the  latter  withdrawing  his  regiment  to  make  way  for  it,  it 
attacked  tire  enemy  with  spirit  for  a  short  time,  but  it  was  soon  driven 
hack  in  disorder  and  confusion,  Colonel  Savage's  regiment  retiring 
with  it.  Subae'juently  Preston's  brigade  came  up  to  the  same  posi- 
tion, one  regiment,  and  perhaps  more,  going  to  the  right;  of  the 
Cowan  house  and  were  repulsed,  while  the   remainder  of  the  brigade 


*A8  an  explanation  of  the  capture  of  the  battery  by  the  eighth  Tennessee  regi- 
ment, ccmiiiuindcd  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Johu  Anderson  of  said  regiment,  it  may 
|>e  proper,  uuder  the  eircumstances,  to  state  that  the  regiment  killed  the  horses,  when 
the  gunners  surrendered  as  prisoners  of  war,  leaving  Colonel  IJoborts,  who  was 
pointed  out  by  one  of  the  prisoners  as  their  colonel  in  eoinmand  of  the  brigade, 
dead  near  the  guns.  I  make  these  statements  in  order  that  the  ^^cts  may  be  known. 
D.  S.  DONELSON,  Brigadier  General,  covimandivg  Jitigadt. 


387 

went  to  tlie  left  of  the  house  and  over  the  same  ground  which  a  part 
cf  mj  brigade  and  all  of  Jackson's  had  already  traversed.  About 
this  time  I  rejoined  the  two  regiments  and  seven  companies  of  ray 
brigade,  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  on  the  right  of  Stewart's  brigade, 
at  the  edge  of  the  open  field.  After  passing  through  the  cedar 
woods,  to  ihe  right  of  the  Wilkinson  pike,  we  remained  under  a  very 
heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  artillery,  both  of  slicll  and  shot,  until 
dark,  when  I  withdrew  my  brigade  about  two  hundred  yards  for  the 
night,  throwing  out  a  strong  picket  for  its  protection.  During  the 
night  I  ordered  Colontl  Savage's  command  to  rejoin  the  brigade,  and 
collected  all  that  I  couLl  of  my  stragglers,  and  had  them  brought  to 
their  respective  commands. 

On  Thursday  and  Friday,  little  was  done,  save  to  keep  ray  men, 
under  an  occasional  shelling,  in  line  of  battle,  and  on  the  alert  either 
for  any  demonstratiiju  on  the  part  of  the  enemy,  or  any  movement 
that  might  be  ia  coutemplation  of  my  commanding  ofiicers.  During 
this  interval,  my  dead  were  buried^  and  my  wounded,  which  had  not 
already  been  cared  for,  properly  attended  to. 

Friday  afternoon,  under  orders  from  Major  General  Cheatham,  I 
moved  ray  brigade  forward,  parallel  with  the  Wilkinson  pike,  about  a 
half  a  mile,  in  order  to  relie*'e_  Maney'8  brigade  on  the  front  lin>e. 
Here  v.-e  remained,  with  a  strong  picket  thrown  out  in  front,  and  skir- 
mishing with  tiie  enemy's-  pickets  nearly  all  the  while,  until  one 
o'clock,  Sunday  morning,  January  4th,  when,  in  obedience  to  orders 
from  General  Cheatham,  we  took  up  the  line  of  march  to  Shelbyville. 

The  field  officers,  Colonels  Savage,  Carter,  Chester,  Anderson  and 
Major  Cotter,  all  distinguished  tliemselves  by  the  co  dness  and  coar- 
age  they  displayed'  upon  the  field,  and  greatly  contributed  to,the  sac- 
cesses  achieved  by  their  respective  commands,  by  the  skill,  and  resolu- 
tion with  which  they  managed  and  manoeuvred  them.  Colonel  Stan- 
ton's regiment  was  not  seriously  engaged,  though  I  do  not  doubt  if 
an  opportunity  had  presented  itself,  that  he  and  his  men  would  have 
fought  most  gallantly. 

Captain  Carne's  battery  was  separated  from  my  brigade  in  conse- • 
quence  of  the  impossibility  6t  its  obtaining  a  suitable  position  in  that 
part  of  the  field,  from  vvhich  to  operate,  and  therefore  it  acted  under 
other   orders    than  my  ov.n.     A   report  from    Lieutenant   Marshall,,' 
herewith  transmitted,  will  show  its  operations. 

We  have  to  mourn  the  loss  of  many  gallant  officers  and  brave  men^ , 
who  fell,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duty,  on  the  field  of  battle. 

Captain  L,  M.  Savage,  acting  Lieutenant  Colonel'  and  Captain  Wo- 
mack,  acting  Major  of  the  sixteenth  regiment,  a  most  efficient  officer, 
were  severely,  if  not  mortally,  wounded^  and  Captain  Spurlock,  of  the 
game  regiment,  an  excellent  officer  and  most  estimable  gentleman,  was 
killed.  ■ 

Captain  B.  H;  Holland,  of  the  thirty-eighth  regiment,  was  killed 
while  gallantly  bearing  the  colors  of  his  regiment,  and  acting  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  R.  A.  Burford,  of  the  fifty-first,  was  wounded.  These 
are  but  a  part  of  those  who  were  either  killed  or  wounded,     I  miist 


388 


refer  you,  for  further  details,  to  the  regimental  reports  which  I  here- 
with transmit.  I  beg  to  make  a  part  of  my  OAvn  :  The  eighth  regi- 
ment lost  mo3t  heavily,  both  in  olficers  and  men.  In  company  D.  the 
gallant  Brooke  was  killed,  and  the  lists  show  th:it  out  of  twelve  com- 
missioned, and  non-com,missioned  officers,  and  sixty-two  men,  who 
went  into  the  fight,  only  one  corporal  and  twenty  men  escaped. 
Other  companies  suffered  almost  as  lieavily. 

Of  the  general  conduct  of  the  officers  and  juen  of  the  brigade,  I 
find  it  difficult  to  employ  terms  of  too  high  commendation.  Cool, 
brave  and  prompt  in  obeying  every  command  upon  the  battle-field, 
they  exhibited  during  the  week  of  hardships  they  were  called  upon  to 
endure  before  Murfreesboro',  a  patience,  fortitude  and  cheerfulness 
worthy  of  the  highest  praise.  The  long  list  of  killed  and  wounded, 
herewith  transmitted,  is  a  sad  but  glorious  testimony,  not  only  to  their 
gallantry  and  courage,  but  also  to  their  patriotic  devotion  to  their 
country  and  its  righteous  cause.  Entering  the  field  with  about  only 
fourteen  hundred  men,  I  have  to  deplore  a  loss  of  six  hundred  and 
ninety-oile  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  with  only  nineteen  miss- 
ing, and  a  majority,  if  not  all,  of  those  prisoners  of  war. 

I  cannot  conclude  this  report  without  expressing  my  appreciation 
of  the  services  of  my  staff.  I  was  attended  on  the  battle-field  by  the 
following  staff  officers :  Captain  John  Bradford,  my  brigade  inspec- 
tor, acting  as  A.  A.  G.  ;  James  II.  Wilkes,  my  clerk,  acting  as  aid- 
de-camp ;  my  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Major  G.  Martin,  and 
Lieutenant  Paul  Donelson,  my  aid-de-camp,  being  absent  on  leave. 
My  volunteer  aids-de-camp  were  Captain  A.  L.  liice  and  Henry 
Lindsley,  of  Lebanon,  Tennessee.  I  feel  that  I  am  doing  but  sheer 
justice,  to  express  my  entire  satisfaction  with  the  conduct  of  every 
member  of  my  staff,  for  they  rendered  etlicient  service  in  carrying  or- 
ders  promptly  iji  the  hottest  of  the  conflict,  particularly  to  that  part 
of  the  field  to  the  right  of  my  brigade  which  the  enemy  was  attempt- 
ing to  turn  during  the  entire  day,  but  where  he  was  gallantly  repulsed 
by  the  determined  bravery  of  my  troops.  Mr.  Lindsley  had  his  horse 
killed  by  a  cannon  ball  early  in  the  ^action,  and  was  so  severely 
wounded  himself,  that  he  had  to  retire  from  the  field  during  the  re- 
mainder of  the  battle.  My  clerk,  Wilkes,  had  his  horse  killed  late 
ip  the  afternoon,  near  the  Cowan  house. 

It  is  but  right  that  I  should  say  that  Colonel  Lewis,  the  previous 
day  had  obtained  a  musket,  and  was  fully  equipped  to  take  the  field,  in 
the  ranks  of  Captain  Burford's  company  of  the  eighth  regiment,  when 
"being  informed  of  this  fact,  I  invited  him  to  take  a  position  with  me 
as  volunteer  aid,  which  he  readily  assented  to,  and  conducted  him- 
•self  with  great  coolness  and  determined  bravery. 

I  have  referred  to  Captain  Rice  as  a  relieved  officer.  I  feel,  from 
his  efficient  services  rendered  in  this  battle,  and  my  knowledge  of 
him  as  a  man  and  an  officer,  that  I  am  doing  but  simple  justice  to 
him  and  a  benefit  to  the  cause  and  service,  to  recommend  that  Cap- 
tain Rice  be  given  a  command  at  the  earliest  practicable  period ; 
knowing  him  to  be  qualified  in  an  eminent  degree  to  fill  high  posi^ 
tions. 


38D 

•  Accompanying  tliis  you  will  find  an  accurate  list  of  both  oflScers 
and  men  killed,  wounded  and  missing  in  my  command,  all  of  which 
is  respectfully  submitted. 

D.  S.  DONELSON, 
Brigadier  General,  armmanding  \st  brigade,  Cheatharri's  division. 


\ 


KEPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  LILDELL. 

IlEAriQUARTERS    LtdDELL's    LuiGAnE, 

Wartrace,   TtnnesscCt  January  K  tb,  18C3. 

Major  W.  W,  Kirkland, 

A.    G.  and  Chief  of  Staff , 

Cleburne's  Div'n,  Hardee  s  corps : 

Major:  On  the  evening  of  the  3()th  ultimo,  my  command  was 
placed,  by  order  of  I\I:ijor  General  Cleburne,  on  the  extreme  loft  of 
the  division,  on  the  prolongation  of  Major  General  Cheatham's  lino^ 
"with  orders  to  move,  by  continued  change  of  direction,  to  the  right, 
to  conform  to  the  moverrcnts  of  General  Cheatham's  command  in  ad- 
vancing upon  the  enemy.  The  line  of  battle  I  judge  to  have  been 
over  two  and  a  half  miles  in  length,  and  my  movements  had  necessa- 
rily to  be  rapid  to  keep  pace  Avith  the  wheel  of  the  line  of  battle, 
the  pivot  being  on  the  right.  This  movement  commenced  a  little 
after  daylight,  and  after  marching  about  a  mile,  we  came  upon  a  brig- 
ade of  ]\lajor  General  McCown's,  which  had  just  repulsed  a  regiment 
of  the  enemy.  In  a  moment's  conversation  with  General  McCown, 
he  wished  me  to  take  position  in  advance,  as  his  men  were  somewhat 
exhausted  by  the  fight.  I  proposed,  instead,  that  he  should  move  by 
the  left  flank,  and  allow  me  to  move  up  in  line  with  his  command, 
thus  placing  him  on  my  left,  which  was  readily  consented  to  ;yid 
done.  We  then  moved  forward  in  line,  and  almost  immediately 
engaged  the  enemy.  This,  I  suppose,  Avas  about  half-past  eight  o'clock. 
My  battery  was  immediately  placed  in  position  on  an  eminence  in 
rear  of  the  line,  and  opened  fire  upon  the  enemy,  who  Avere  posted 
behind  a  fence  in  front  of  us,  about  seventy-five  yards  distant,  Avith 
another  line,  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  further  in  their  rear  in  the 
woods,  from  Avhich  position  they  had  heavy  batteries  playing  upon  our 
line.  After  a  contest,  lasting  about  half  an  hour,  we  repulsed  the  front 
line,  driving  it  back  upon  the  second,  which  also  gave  way  upon  our 
approach,  after  a  short  struggle.  Here  I  lost  sight  of  Brigadier 
General  Johnson's  left,  and  continued  to  move  straight  forward 
against  the  enemy,  Avith  General  McCoAvn  still  on  my  left.  "We  con- 
tinued the  pursuit,  constantly  skirmi3hing,  until  we  reached  a  house, 
•which  Avas  afterAvards  found  to  be  a  hospital,  Avhere  we  re-engaged 
and  drove  back  the  enemy's  second  line  of  defence.  My  battery 
•was  here  pushed  forward  within  sixty  yards  of  the  hospital,  and  fired 
upon  the  retreating  foe,  noAv  crossing  the  Wilkinson  turnpike.  My 
men  continued  the  pursuit  across  the  turnpike,  v,  hen  they  Avere  halted 
to  await  for  ammunition,  to  obtain  which,  I  despatched  Lieutenant 
Bostick,  my  aid-de-camp,  to  General  McCoAvn,  who  was  near  a  house 
some  three  hundred  yards  to  the  left  of  the  hospital,  with  his  com- 
mand. Meanwhile  my  own  ammunition  arrived  and  supplied  me.  In 
5)as8ing  the  hospital,  in  the  advance,  I  was  called  upon  by  the  Yai^- 
kee  officers  to  protect  them,  as  there  Avere   a  great   many  prisoners 


391 

and  wounded  men  in  and  around  it,  and  amongst  the  numerons  leuts 
•  in  the  enclosure.  I  left  one  man  in  charge  of  it  and  tolil  him  to 
proclaim  it  as  under  my  protection,  and  then  passed  on  "with  my  Vrig- 
ade.  I  refused  taking  any  prisoners,  as  I  did  not  wish  to  be  dcliyed 
in  my  forward  movement,  or  to  Koi^e  the  men  necessary  to  guard 
them,  but  ordered  prisoners  reporting  to  rac  to  remain  there  or  move 
to  the  rear  and  proehiim  tiiemselvcs  as  my  prisoners.  I  (3o  not  know 
what  became  of  them  afterwards,  though  1  think  they  wore  subser 
quently  taken  by  General  Johnson's  brigade.  It  was  «t  this  point,  iu 
rear  of  the  hospital,  that  the  Federal  General  Sill  was  killed. by  the 
second  Arkansas  regiment,  Avhilst  being  engaged  with  theencroy  at  the 
hospital — Col.  (iovan  ordering  his  men  to  fire  at  oilieers  on  hordes  near 
the  building.  1  foigot  to  mention  that  in  the  lirst  engagement,  Vq]. 
Farmer,  of  the  twenty-second  Indiana  regiment,  wai^left  Avounded  on 
the  field,  and  became  a  prisoner.  The  brigade  being  now  supplied 
with  ammunition,  after  having  crosse<l  the  Wilkinson  turnpike,  Avaa 
rapidly  pushed  forward  through  the  woods  a  (juarier  of  a  xu'l^i  or  more, 
and  coming  up  wii-h  the  enemy  on  the  eilgo  of  a  fie]i>,  which  opened 
in  view  of  a  church,  in  tome  open  woods  on  Overall's  creek,  soioo 
five  hundred  yards  distant  on  our  left,  engaged  him,  driving  him  in 
confusion  over  the  crest  of  a  h'M  beyond.  Finding  inyfsclf  alone  at 
this  point,  with*nu  support  on  my  right  or  left,  1  balled  my  command 
in  the  woods  near  the  fence,  and  th.rew  forward  a  line  of  skirmiir^hcrs 
to  reconnoitre  and  develop  the.  tridVny.  not  then  visible  frotu  otir  posi- 
tion. Lieutenants  Dulin  and  Bostick,  of  my  s-tfiif,  who  had  gone 
forward  with  the  skirmishers,  immediately  returned  and  reported  th» 
enemy  in  line  of  baftlo  in  the  valley  of  Overalls  crerk;  some  four 
or  five  hundred  yanis  distant  from  thg  crest  of  the  hill.  1  at  once 
ordered  forward  uny  battery  to  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  tlirected  it 
H)  fire  upon  him,  as  I  was  in  good  supporting  distance  vrith  th« 
brigade.  This  was  done  with  decided  effect,  lesulting  in  turning 
the  enemy  back  and  driving  hun  from  view  behind  the  railroad 
embankment.  The  turnpike  road  at  this  time  was  filled  with  trainS 
of  wagans,  moving  on  in  the  direction  of  Nashville,  wluch  the  Texaa 
cavalry  charged,  and  I  ordeied  the  battery  to  fire  upon  tlrat  part 
of  the  train  to  the  right  of  the  cavalry,  which  caused  the  .train  t) 
break  in  confusion  and  seek  shelter  behind  the  embankment  of  tha 
railroad.  While  this  change  of  route  by  the  enemy  was  taking  place,  I 
continued  firing  ug  long  as  any  of  the  train  and  enemy  app€»ared  ia 
view.  I  then  returned  with  the  battery  to  my  command  in  tho 
woods,  and  moved  by  the  right  flank  until  I  got  in  sight  of  Briga- 
dier General  Johnson's  ccmmivnd,  which,  by  this  time  had  come  up 
from  the  AVilkinson  road.  Bending  this  movement.  General  Mc(,^owii 
passed  by  me,  sayiog  he  would  move  his  command-  to  the  right, 
which  I  sup{.ose  he  did,  as  1  saAV  no  more  of  iiim  ;  thus  leaving  me 
on  the  extreme  left,  which,  in  effect,  had  been  the*  case  ever  since 
passing  the  hospital,  near  the  Wilkinson  turnpike,  as  I  saw  no  forco 
on  my  left  after  that  time. 

I  may  here  stdte  that  my  position  inclined  me,  in  wheeling  with  tha 
line  of  battle,  to  pass  off  at  a  tangent  from  it  towards  the  left,  and  I 


392 

was  confsequently  often  compelled  to  move  back  hy  the  ripjht  flank,  to 
repain  my  place  in  the  line  After  rejoining  General  Johnson's  left, 
tjoved  forwartl,  and  almost  immediately  engaged  the  enemy,  whose 
right  liiid  across  a  neck  of  woods,  the  left  being  behind  a  fence  in 
front  of  my  right.  Afrtr  a  very  severe  engagement  tjf  somo  twenty 
t^inurc's,  we  repulsed  him  on  our  right,  throwing  him  into  confusion, 
ha  still,  however,  maintaining  his  ground  upon  our  left,  on  which  wo 
concentrated  the  fire  of  the  fifth,  sixth,  and  eighth  Arkansas  regiments^ 
Boon  breaking,  after  a  sharp  contest,  his  line  at  that  point  also. 

It  was  here  that  Lieutenant  Colonel  Murry.  of  the  fifth  Arkansas 
regiment,  tock  the  colors  of  his-regiment,  and  gallantly  bore  them  to 
the  front,  encouraging  his  men  to  the  contest.  A  beautiful  stand  of 
United  States  colors  was  captured  by  private  J,  K.  Leslie,  of  his  regi- 
Esnt,  The  brigade  still  continued  to  move  steadily  on,  constantly 
firing  upon  the  broken  ranks  of  the  enemy,  and  upon  reaching  a  point 
about  opposite  a  white  building  on  a  hill  on  our  left,  I  ordered  my 
battery  forward,  and  rodo  to  this  building,  with  a  view  of  placing  it 
in  position  to  open  on  the  enera^^'s  right.  Whilst  waiting  for  the  bat- 
tery to  come  up,  I  captured  an  ambulance  and  two  horses  belonging 
to  Colonel  Stoughton,  eleventh  Missouri  volunteers,  and  Major  Dough- 
ty, Michigan  volunteers,  which  officers  I  supposed  had  been  wounded 
and  brought  to  the  hospital.  Here  %gain  the  officers  of  the  hospital 
asked  my  protection,  and  I  gave  them  my  name,  and  took  the  building 
under  my  charge. 

Whilst  this  was  occurring,  whict  was  in  an  incredibly  short  space 
of  time,  I  discovered  our  lines  breaking  rapidly  to  the  rear,  although 
there  was  but  little  filing  going  on  at  the  time.  1  immediatel}^  gal- 
lopc<l  to  the  rear  to  head  olT  the  stragglers  and  check  the  retreat,  not 
knowing  what  was  the  cause  (^f  this  sudden  movement.  Ori  haltking 
and  rallying  the  stragglers,  I  found  that  they  were  (JleneralJohnson's 
men,  who  were  passing  in  rear  of  my  line,  and  were  retreating  towards 
my  position  on  the  left.  1  directed  them  towards  the  right,  to  their 
proper  pl;;ce,  and  riding  rapidly  in  that  direction  myself,  I  met  with 
General  Jt.hnson  in  search  of  his  men,  who  told  nie  that  my  brigade 
was  not  far  distant  in  the  neck  of  woods,  and  upon  going  in  the  direc- 
tion indicated,  I  found  it  in  line,  the  colors  in  place,  with  the  men 
rallying  on  the  line.  In  the  confusion  of  the  retreat,  while  I  was  at 
th.e  Yankee  hospital,  on  the  left,  General  Johnson's  men  had  gotten 
between  me  and  my  brigade,  they  having  fallen  back  on  my  position, 
causing  me  to  mistake  them  for  my  own. 

My  brigade  fell  back  to  the  original  position  from  which  I  had  ad- 
vanced in  this  first  attack,  after  joining  Gemeral  Johnson,  on  moving 
to  the  right  from  the  direction  of  Overall's  creek,  as  before  mentioned. 
On  inquiry  as  the  cause  of  this  retrograde  movement,  Colonel  Govan, 
of  the  second  Arkansas,  stated  that  the  line  on  his  right  gave  way, 
and  being  left  alone,  without  support  on  his  right,  he  ordered,  during 
my  temporary  absence  at  the  hospital,  a  retreat,  although  there  was 
but  little  firing  going  on  at  the  time.  An  additional  reason  with  him 
for  doing  so,  was  that  his  ammunition  was  nearly  exhausted.  We 
were  now  directed  to  remain  in  position,   and  await  further   orders. 


393 

W«  bivouacked  that  night  in  the  woods  where  we  were,  and  on  the 
following  morninG",  T  found  that  the  enemy's  skirmishers  had  retaken 
the  hospital,  and  the  hill  from  which  I  had  fired  upon  his  train  on  the 
day  previous.  I  moved  into  position  in  front  of  the  hill,  and  my 
pkirmishers  immediately  drove  the  enemy  from  it.  The  battery  was 
pushed  forward  to  its  crest  a  second  time,  and  fired  upon  his  retreat- 
ing cavalry  and  infantry,  driving  them  back  to  the  turnpike  in.  great 
confusion.  From  this  time  until  the  night  of  the  2d  instant,  but 
little  was  done  except  occasional  skirmishing,  when  I  was  ordered 
back  about  ten  o'clock,  P,  M,,  with  the  other  brigades  of  the  div;;»ion, 
to  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  in  support  of  Major  General  Breckin- 
ridge's line. 

During  the  engagement,  I  captured  two  pieces  of  artillery,  one 
Parrott  gun  and  one  six-pounder  brass  rifle  piece,  for  both  of  which 
I  obtained  an  ample  supply  of  ammunition.  In  the  final  attack,  an- 
other battery  was  also  captured,  t)ut  in  the  unaccountable  retrograde 
movement,  before  mentioned,  was  left  on  the  field.  Althou.eh  my 
position  was  on  the  extreme  left  of  our  lines,  I  discovered  no  enemy 
attempting  to  flank  me.  Their  ambulances  were  passing  and  repass- 
ing at  all  times  during  the  day,  on  the  turnpike,  while  I  was  in  posi- 
tion to  see  them  from  the  hill  near  Overall  church,  and  at  night  the 
roar  of  wagons  passing  on  the  turnpike  was  incessant.  Each  night 
the  enemy's  artillery  played  on  our  lines  in  the  woods,  and  at  the 
„8ame  time  firing  was  going  on  between  the  skirmishers.  The  battery 
under  command  of  Lieutenant  Shannon,  was  of  infinite  service  to  me 
throughout  the  action,  the  nien  behaving  with  the  greatest  bravery — 
having  the  battery  always  ready,  and  oftentimes  at  the  right  place,  at 
the  right  time,  without  receiving  or  aw.iiting  orders  ;  for  which  I  am 
indebted  to  the  good  judgment  and  coolness  of  Lieutenant  Shannon, 
commanding  battery.  Colonel  Kelly,  of  the  eighth  Arkansas,  was 
slightly  wounded  in  the  arm  ;  Colonel  Smith,  of  the  sixth  Arkansas, 
w&s  wounded  in  the  lefr ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cameron,  of  the  same, 
was  shot  through  the  forepart  of  the  body.  Of  my  staff,  AV.  11.  Lid- 
dell,  volunteer  aid,  was  shot  in  the  thigh  ;  Lieutenant  Young,  brigade" 
ordnance  officer,  was  shot  in  the  shoulder  ;  Surgeon  Kibler  was  shot 
through  the  body,  while  sitting  on  his  horse  by  my  side,  in  front  of 
the  brigade. 

The  officers  of  my  personal  staff,  Adjutant  General  Williams,  Lieu- 
tenant Bostick,  A.  D.  C,  and  Lieutenant  Dulin,  brigade  inspector,- 
not  only  behaved  with  the  most  undaunted  bravery,  but  assi-sted  me 
voluntarily  and  with  the  utmost  alacrity  in  pushing  forward  the  brig- 
ado,  in  placing  the  battery  in  positions,  and  in  the  deployment  of 
skirmishers  in  the  very  face  of  the  enemy,  and  in  the  heaviest  fire 
whenever  required,  oftentimes  using  their  own  judgment  without  wait- 
ing for  orders,  for  the  good  of  the  service  and  the  success  of  tlie  day. 
My  brave  bugler,  Jake  Schlosscr,  was  wounded  near  me,  and  token 
from  the  field.  Many  instancea  of  personal  bravery  I  might  mention 
were  it  not  extending  this  report  to  too  great  a  length.  The  evidence 
of  the  undaunted  courage  of  the  brigade  is  attested  by  the  fact  that 
nearly  one-third  of  the  whole  were  killed  and  wounded.     Five  oflicers 


391 

and  cighij  one  men  were  killed,  and  five  huuured  and  three  mm  were 
wounded,  and  eighteen  misping,  making  ti  total  of  five  liuudKed  and 
eightj-nine  hors  dc  combat,  besides  the  missing»  out  of  a  grand  total  of 
Bcvcuteen  hundred  and  nine,  including  the  artillery.  The  brigade 
now  numbers  eleven  hundred  and  eight. 

There  were  sorje  instances  of  cowardice  stated  in  the  reports  of  the 
colonels,  which  are  heiewith  enclosed.  We  lament  our  brave  dead; 
we  feel  for  our  wounded  brothers,  while  we  honor  them.  The  heart- 
felt thanks  of  those  of  us  who  have  escaped  unhurt,  through  the  storm 
of  death,  are  due  to  a  kind  Providence,  to  whom  we  pray  for  safety 
and  success  in  all  the  coming  contests  for  our  country's  cause. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

F.  JOHN  LIDDELL. 

Total  killed,  .  .  .  SG 

"     wounded,       -  -  -  51^3 

"     missing,        -  -  -  18 

GOT 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  J.  K.  JACKSON. 

Headquarters  BKrcADE,  January  ^2.   1863. 

Ma,jor  T.  B.  Rov,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that,  in  the  recent  hatfles  before 
Murfrecsboro',  my  brigade  consisted  of  the  lifth  and  the  eighth  Mis- 
sissippi regiments,  the  fifth  Georgia  regiment,  a  battalion  of  sharp- 
shooters, oouimanJed  by  Major  J.  J.  Cox.  and  Pritchartr^  battery. 
They  wore  moved  to  various  parts  of  the  field,  and  at  different  Mraea 
occupied  positions  in  the  front  line,  on  the  extreme  right,  on  the  left 
of  the  right,  on  the  right  of  the  left  wing,  and  on  the  extreme  left. 
Pritchard's  battery,  belonging  to  my  brigade,  being  insufficiently 
manneil.  only  two  pieces  were  carried  from  Bridgeport  to  Murfrees- 
boro'.  These,  by  order  of  Lieutenant  General  liardee.  were  left  in 
the  earthwork  in  the  toTvn  of  Murfreesboro',  and  were  never  brought 
into  action.  G'he  two  rifle  pieces  of  Lumsden's-  battery,  which  had 
been  ordered  to  report  to  me,  were,  by  order  of  Lieutenant  General 
Hardee,  subsequently  ordered  to  report  to  ^lajor  General  Breckin- 
ridge, thus  leaving  me  but  two  smooth-bore  pieces  of  artillery  of 
Lumsden's  battery.  These  pieces  were  brought  ir.to  action  on 
Wednesday,  December  31st-,  at  long  range,  expending  about  fifty 
rounds  of  ammunition.  I  am  informed  that  the  two  rifle  pieces  were 
placed  in  position  by  orders  from  Major  General  Breckinridge,  and 
did  good  service,  expending  about  two  hundred  rounds  of  ammuni- 
tion. There  were  no  casualties  in  the  artillery  of  my  command.  On 
the  morning  of  the  31st  December,  while  manncuvering  in  front  of 
the  eneir;y's  left,  I  received  an  order  to  cross  Stone  river  at  the  ford 
and  support  Brigadier  General  Donelson's  brigade,  reporting  for  this 
purpose  to  Lieutenant  General  Polk.  L^pon  doing  so,  I  was  directed 
to  leave  the  two  pieces  of  artillery  and  push  forward  with  my  in- 
fantry to  a  point  indicated,  beyond  the  ruins  of  a  house  (Cowan's), 
■where  the  battle  was  raging  fiercely.  I  advanced,  passing  Brigadier 
General  Donelson's  brigade,  a  part  of  Brigadier  General  Chalmers' 
brigad-^,  and  a  part. of  the  brigade  commanded  by  Colonel  Coltart. 
My  command  became  immediately  engaged,  and  so  continued  for 
about  tliree  hours.  Twice  I  ordered  a  charge  upon  the  enemy's  strong 
position,  but  for  the  want  of  support  from  others,  and  the  smallness 
of  my  own  numbers,  was  forced  to  take  the  cover  of  a  thick  cedar 
wood.  Both  times  my  men  fell  back  in  good  order,  and  were  re- 
formed in  line,  until  they  were  ordered  to  retire  from  the  want  of 
ammunition.  My  command  was  net  afterwards  brought  into  aetion, 
although  frequently  under  fire,  arid  most  of  the  time  in  the  front  line 
of  battle.  It  becomes  my  duty  to  report  the  following  officers  and 
enlisted  men  who  left  the  field,  without  permission,  while  their  regi- 
ment was  engaged,  and  who  failed  to  return  to  duty  when  ordered  by 
their  commanding  oflScer: 


S96 

EIOHTH    MISSISSIPPI    REGIMENT. 

Company  A — Privates   S.  G.  Grishain,   W.  T.  Week,  S.  J.  Cope- 
land. 

Company  D — Corporal  A.  T.  Perrj'man. 

Company  E — Private  J.  M.  Tullers. 

Company  G — Private  Josiah  Walker. 

Company  H — Private  W.  W.  Richie. 

Company  K — Lieutenant  H.  Matthis ;  privates  W.  J.  McGee  and 
M.  V.  Shows. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  affords  me  pleasure  to  testify  to  the  great 
coolness  and  courage  of  the  officers  and  men  of  my  command.  Col- 
onel John  C.  Wilkinson,  of  the  eighth  Mississippi  regiment,  was 
severely  wounded  in  the  breast  and  sent  to  the  hospital  in  Murfrees- 
boro',  where,  upon  the  retirement  of  the  army,  he  was  left,  and  it  is 
apprehended  he  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  being  too  badly 
wounded  to  be  removed.  Lieutenant  Colonel  W.  L.  Sjkes,  command- 
ing the  fifth  Mississippi  regiment,  was  also  severely  wounded  and 
sent  to  the  rear.  Colonel  W,  T.  Black,  of  the  fifth  Georgia  regi- 
ment, fell  mortally  wounded  in  the  head,  while  gallantly  leading  his 
brave  regiment.  He  survived  but  a  few  hours.  The  color-bearer  of 
this  regiment,  Thomas  G.  Brcntly,  company  E,  was  killed  by  a  rainie 
ball  passing  through  his  head;  whereupon  first  Lieutenant  J.  W. 
Eason,  of  company  G,  seized  the  colors,  and  was  instantly  killed  by 
a  shot  through  the  head.  I  have  to  lament  among  the  gallant  slain 
Captain  J.  H.  Morgan,  of  the  fifth  Mississippi  regiment,  and  Captain 
E.  W.  Ansley,  of  the  battalion  of  sharpshooters.  I  bear  willing 
testimony  to  the  gallantry  of  ^Lijor  J.  J.  Cox,  of  the  battalion  of 
sharpshooters,  and  ask  especial  attention  to  his  accompanying  report, 
mentioning  the  names  of  certain  officers  and  men  of  other  commands 
•who  joined  his  battalion  and  remained  with  it  during  the  engage- 
ment, I  am  much  indebted  to  the  officers  of  my  staff  for  their 
promptness  in  conveying  orders,  and  for  their  geneial  efficiency  in 
the  discharge  of  their  duty  on  the  field.  Captain  J.  B.  Gumming,  A. 
A.  G.,  and  Lieutenant  A.  M.  Jackson,  A.  D  C,  each  had  his  horse 
disabled,'  I  desire  also  to  make  favorable  mention  of  Captain  Thos. 
G.  Barrett,  volunteer  aid-de-camp,  ond  Lieutenant  S.  A.  Moreno, 
C.  S.  A.,  acting  inspector  general  of  my  bi-igade,  I  have  already 
made  a  special  recommendation  of  the  last  named  officer  for  promo- 
tion, and  take  occasion  to  renew  and  urge  it.  I  enclose  reports  in 
detail  from  regimental,  battalion  and  battery  commanders.  A  con- 
solidated report  of  killed  and  wounded,  by  name,  has  already  been 
forwarded.  The  annexed  tabular  statement  is  made  a  part  of  this 
report,  from  which  it  will  appear  that  there  were  eight  hundred  and 
seventy-four  infantry,  including  detiiils  for  infirmary  purposes,  &c., 
carried  into  action,  of  which  there  were  forty-one  killed  and  two  hun- 
dred and  sixty-six  v.ofinded,  and  none  missing. 
I  have  the  honor.  Major,  to  be. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  K.  JACKSON,  Brigadier  General. 


397 

REPORT  OF  THE  BRIGADE  commanded  by  Brigadier  General 
John  K.  Jackson  at  the  Battle  before  Murfreesboro'  on  the  ^\st  of 
December  J  1862. 

CARRIED    INTO    ACTION. 


Command.  Officers. 

Eiftli  Mississippi  regiment. .  .  .  20 

Eighth  Mississippi  regiment.  .  27 

Fifth  Georgia  regiment 27 

Battalion  sharpshooters 13 

Lumsden' 8  battery 2 

Grand  total 89 


Enlisted  Men. 

Aggregate 

150 

170 

255 

282 

146 

173 

139 

152 

95 

97 

785 


874 


CASUALTIES 

• 

Command. 

Killed. 

Won 

nded. 

Aggreg 

Officers 

.     En.  Mon. 

Officers. 

En.   Men. 

Fifth  Miss,  regiment.      I 

5 

7 

.     66 

79 

Eighth  Miss,  reg't.  ..      1 

19 

12 

101 

133 

Fifth   G^.  regiment.  .     2 

9 

4 

49 

64 

Batt,  sharpshooters.  . 

4 

3 

24 

31 

Lumsden's  battery 

4  37  26  240  307 

JOHN  K.  JACKSON,  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  WHARTON. 

IIeadquartevs  Wharton's  Cavalry  Brkjade,  ) 
Shclbyville  Fike,  January  32,  KM63.       } 

Major  T.  B.  Roy,  A.  A.  G.  :  ^ 

Majoh  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  ope- 
rations of  the  brigade,  acting  under  my  orders,  during  the  l»:ittles  be- 
fore Murfreesboro',  commencing  December  SIst,  I8C"2,  and  ending 
January -^d,  1861  The  brigade  v.a9  composed  of  the  following  com- 
manda: 

Tcxr\s  Rangers — Colonel  Thomas  Harrison. 

Second  Georgia  regiment — Lieutenant  Colonel  J..  E.  Dunlop. 

Third  Confederate — Lieutenant  Colonel  V,'.  N.  Esti's. 

Fiist  Confedcrate-^Colonel  John  T.  Cox. 

Fourth  Tennessee-^Colonel  Baxter  Smith, 

Davis  battalion — Major  John  li.  Davis. 

Murra^/'s  regiment — Major  W.  S.  Bledsoe. 

PoTtion  of  third  Georgia  regiment — Major  Thorn jx-<on. 

Fourteenth  Alabama  battalion-,— Lieutenant  Colonel  James  Malone. 

Colonel  Ashby'd  regiment — Colonel  Ashby. 

White's  section  artillery,  (six-pounders) — Captain  T>.  I''.  White. 

General  McCown's  escort  company — Captidn  ILuJie. 

Escort  company — Captuin  Paul  Anderson. 

I  received  my  orders  from  Lieutenant  Gene.;il  W,  J.  IT.ardee,  in 
person.  They  were  as  follows:  I  was  infoimed  lliat  at  daylight,  on 
the  morning  of  the  31st,  our  left  wing  would  aUack  the  enemy's  right. 
Being  drawn  upon  the  extreme  left  I  was  ordered  to  reach  the  enemy's 
rear  us  soon  as  possible,  and  to  do  them  all  the  damage  I  could.  My 
command  was  formed  bcfoie  daylight.  I  haddivjded  my  brigade  into 
three  commands,  in  order  that  it  might  l)e  better  wielded.  Texas  Han- 
gers, third  Confederate,  and  second  Georgia,  \inder  (^olonel  Harrison  ; 
the  firrt  Confederate,  Davis'  battalion,  JMalone's  battery  and  Murray's 
regiment,  nnder  Colonel  Cox,  and  the  remainder  of  the  command  act- 
ing as  a  support  to  the  battery,  and  as  a  reserve.  T  in.-.vod  tho  cora- 
mana  promptly  at  daylight.  So  vigorous  was  the  attack  of  our  left 
upon  ti^c  enemy's  right;  that  proceeding  firsfat  a  trot,  and  then  at  a 
golU'p,  I  had  to  travel  a  distance  of  two  and  a  half  miles  before  I 
reached  the  enemy's  rear.  I  succeeded  in  getting  into  position  near 
the  Wilkinson  pike,  with  the  eneiny  in  my  front;  caused  Colonel  Cox 
to  form  his  conin:and  for  a  charge  ;  directed  Captain  White  to  open 
on  the  enemy  with  his  battery.  After  a  brisk  fire  from  the  artillery, 
I  ordered  Colonel  Cox  to  charge,  which  he  did  in  gallant  stylo,  a« 
evidenced  by  his  capturing  the  seventy-fifth  regiment  Illinois  infantry. 
About  this  time.  Captain  Christian,  with  four  companies- Texas  Ran- 
gers, charged  a  four  gun  battery  and  captured  it,  including  horses, 
drivers,  harness,  and  everything,  pertaining  to  it.    Up  to  this  time. 


399. 

we  had  taken  about  fifteen  hundred  prisoners,  ■which,  with  the  bjit- 
tery,  and  one  piece  found  without  horses,  about  a  mile  in  the  ene-  • 
iny's  rear,  were  sent  to  tho  proper  officer  in  Murfreesboro'.  The 
enemy's  immense  wagon  trains,  guarded  by  a  heavy  'force  of  cavnlry, 
couhl  be  seen  moving  near  and  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  in  the  di- 
rection of  the  Nashville  pike  I  determined  to  move  acroes  the  couur 
try,  give  the  cavalry  battle,  and  to  attempt  to  capture  the  train.  Our 
infantry,  by  this  time,  had  succeeded  in  driving  the  enemy  across  the 
Wilkinson  pike.  In  i^ehiug  a  point  about  three-quarters  of  a  milo 
distant  from  the  Naslmlle  pike,  1  discovered  tb.o  wagon  train  of  the 
enemj'',  together  with  some  artillery,  moving  along  the  pike.  A 
heavy  body  of  cavalry  was  drawn  up  near,  and  parallel' to,  tho  piko, 
facing  m'e,  and  a  considerable  body  was  drawn  up  nearer  me  to  give 
battle.  Tho  battery  was  placed  in  position.  Ashby's  regiment,  and 
Hardee's  company  formed  in  front  of  the  enemy.  Harrison's  oom- 
inand  formed  on  his  right  flank. 

Tho  battery  opened  with  considerable  effect.  It  was  ordered  to 
cease  firing,  and  Ashby  and  Hardee  ordered  to  charge,  which  they 
promptly  did.  Th«y  Avere  met  by  *a  counter  charge  of  the  enemy, 
supposed  to  be  the  fourth  regulars,  with  drawn  sabres.  At  the  samo 
time  Harrison's  command  was  ordered  to  charge,  v/.hich  they  did  in 
the  most  gallant  and  handsome  manner.  The  rangers,  in  advance, 
met  the'enemy  and  completely  routed  them,  relieving  Ashby's  com- 
mand, which  was  hard  pressed.  Ay-iiling  myself  of  the  confusion 
Caused  by  the  rout  of  the  enemy's  advanced  cavalry,  the  entire  brig- 
ade was  ordered  to  charge  the  enemy's  whole  cavalry  force,  drawn  up 
in" line,  half  a  mile  in  rear  of  the  mainline  of  battle,  protecting  their 
wagon  train.  The  order  was  responded  to  in  the  most  chivalrous 
manner,  and  two  thousand  horsemen  were  hurled  on  the  foe.  The 
ground  was  exceeditigly  favorable  for  cavalry  operations,  and  after  » 
short  hand  to  hand  conflict,  in  which  the  revolver  was  used  with 
deadly  effect,  the  enemy  fled  from  tJie  field  in  the  wildest  confui-ion 
and  dismay,  and  were  pursued  to  Overairs  creek,  a  distance  of  two 
miles.  After  they  had  passed  Overall's  creek,  the  enemy  reformed, 
out  of  range  of  our  guns.  The  wagon  train,  consisting  of  several 
hundred  wagons,  many  pieces  of  artillery,  about  ont>  thousand  in- 
fantry, who  were  either  guarding  the  wagons  or  were  fugitives  from 
the  field,  were  ours.  The  trains  were  turned  round  and  started  back 
on  the  pike  towards  Murfreesboro'. 

I  had  proceeded  but  a  short  distance  in  the  charge,  Avhen  I  was 
informed  that  a  heavy  cavalry  force,  immediately  in  my  rear,  was 
about  to  charge  my  battery,  which,  being  unable  to  keep  up  with  the 
cavalry  in  a  charge,  was  some  distance  behind.  Knowing  that  it 
would  bo  impossible  to  withdraw  my  men  from  the  pursuit,  and 
having  no  disposition  to  -do  so,  I  immediately  returned  in  person, 
with  two  of  my  staff",  Lieutenants  Terry  and  McNeil,  and  found  tho 
battery  with  no  support,  save  Colonel  Smith  and  twenty  of  his 
men,  the  balance,  with  too  much  zeal,  having  engaged  in  the  pursuit 
of  the  enemy.  My  arrival  was  very  opportune.  About  three  hua-, 
dred  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  not  over  four  hundred  yards  distant,  ■ 


400 

were  bearing  down  upon  the  battery  with  a  speed  that  evinced  a  de- 
termination to  take  it  at  all  hazards.     A  few  men  with  Colonel  Smithy 
■were  promptly  formed,  and  the  battery  unlimbered  and  ordered  to  fire 
upon  the  approaching  enemy.     Several  shells  were  exploded  in  their 
ranks,  and  they  retired  in  confusion. 

The  command  that  had  captured  the  wagons,  thinking  that  thoy 
had  driven  the  entire  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry  across  Overall's 
creek,  and  apprehending  danger  alone  from  that  quarter,  were  pre- 
pared to  tneet  it  only  from  that  directional^  Jiesides,  many  were 
scattered  along  the  entire  length  of  the  wagon  train,  directing  its 
movoments,  and  guarding  the  numerous  prisoners  taken.  In  this 
condition  they  were  attacked  by  the  same  party  of  cavalry,  from  the 
direction  of  Murfreesboro',  that  I  had  repulsed  with  the  artillery ; 
the  enemy's  cavalry,  that  we  had  driven  across  Overall's  creek, 
being  in  condition  likewise  to  attack  them  in  the  rear.  Owing  to 
this,  and  to  my  being  detained  to  defend  the  battery,  we  were  able 
only  to  bring  away  a  portion  of  the  wagons,  five  or  six  pieces  of 
artillery,  about  four  hundred  prisoners,  three  hundred  and  twenty- 
seven  beef  cattle,  and  a  goodly  number  of  mules  cut  from  the  wagons. 
In  thi<3  engagement  the  enemy  suffered  severely,  losing  many  officers 
and  men,  both  killed  and  captured.  Among  the  former  was  Colonel 
Minor  Miteiken,  who  was  killed  by  private  John  Bowers,  of  company 
K,  Texas  rangers,  in  single  combat. 

My  loss  was  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  killed,  wounded  and  miss- 
ing. Captain  Gilbraith,  qf  Murray'^  regiment ;  Lieutenant  Ellis, 
company  G,  Texas  rangers  ;  and  Lieutenant  Sharpe,  company  B, 
same  regiment,  were  woundea  and  left  upon  the  field.  Adjutant 
Rothrook,  of  the  third  Confederate  regiment,  was  killed.  My  assist- 
ant inspector  general.  Walker,  was  also  wounded,  and  has  since  died 
of  his  wounds. 

To  Captain  Paul  Anderson,  and  his  gallant  company,  (my  escort,) 
I  am  indebted  for  the  capture  and  safe  delivery  of  three  hundred  and 
twenty-seven  beeves,  and  the  guard  accompanying  them.  Having 
placed  the  booty  within  our  lines,  I  again  returned  to  the  rear  of  the 
enemy,  and  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Nashville  pike,  and  conlfcued  to 
engage  the  enemy  until  the  middle  of  the  afternoon.  At  dusk  I  sta- 
tioned the  command  upon  the  left  of  our  infantry,  and  picketed  for 
its  protection. 

All  soldiers  in  the  command  who  were  armed  with  shot  or  other 
indifferent  guns,  exchanged  them  for  those  of  a  more  approved 
character. 

When  it  is  borne  in  mind  that  the  operations  of  this  brigade  were 
entirely  in  rear  of  the  enemy,  and  not  a  mile  from  his  line  of  battle; 
when  it  is  likewise  borne  in  mind  that  it  successfully  engaged  all 
arms  of  the  service,  infantry,  artillery  and  cavalry,  and  captured  and 
sent  to  the  rear  more  prisoners  than  the  command  numbered,  I  think 
it  will  be  cheerfully  conceded  that  they  performed  meritorious  and 
important  services,  and  are  entitled  to  the  commendation  due  from 
the  commanding  General  to  gallant  soldiers. 
*     On  Thursday  morning,  the  enemy  being   reported  to  be  in  fall 


401 

retreat,  I  was  directed  by  the  commanding  General  to  attack  them, 
at  any  point  deemed  practicable,  on  the  Nashville  and  Murfreesboro' 
^  pike  I  moved  my  command,  in  conneq|ion  with  Generals  Wheeler 
and  Buford,  around  to  ijavergne,  reaching 'that  place  about  four 
o'clock,  P.  M  A  large  train  of  wagons  and  some  artillery  were 
seen  moving  along  the  pike,  with  a  strong  escort  of  cavalry,  in  the 
direction  of  ^^ashville.  General  Wheeler  moved  across  the  country, 
and  attacked  the  train  a  mile  below  Lavergne.  I  attacked  the  enemy 
in  front  in  Lavergne,  having  dismounted  a  portion  of  my  command. 
We  captured  about  one  hundred  wagons,  one  hundred  and  fifty  pris- 
oners, three  hundred  mules,  and  one  piece  of  artillery.  Ten  of ,  the 
wagons,  the  piece  of  artillery,  and  the  raules,  were  brought  away  and 
delivered  to  the  proper  officer.  The  remaining  wagons,  with  the 
quartermaster,  commissary,  and  ordnance  stores  contained  in  them, 
were  burned.  '  , 

A  regiment  of  infantry,  under  Colonel  Dennis,  ali^o  was  stationed 
in  a  cedar  brake  and  fortifications,  neJTT  this  point.  I  caused  the 
battery,  under  Lieutenant  Pike,  who  noted  with  great  gallantry,  to 
open  on  it.  The  fire,  at  a  range  of  not  more  than  four  hundred 
yards,  was  kept  up  for  more  th^n  an  hour,  and  must  have  resulted  in 
great  damage  to  tlie  enemy.  I  caused  the  enemy  to  be  charged  on 
three  sides,  at  the  same  time,  by  Colonels  Cox  and  Smith  and  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Malone,  and  the  charge  was  repeated  four  times,  but 
the  enemy  was  so  strongly  posted  that  it  was  found  impossible  to  dis- 
lodge him.  , 

Colonels  Cox  an(^ Smith  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Malone,  and  their 
commands,  behaved  v;ilh  the  utmost  giillantry.  To  Captain  Kyle,  of 
the  Texas  Rangers,  I  am  indebted  for  the  capture  and  safe  delivery 
of  many  of  the  mules  taken.  ,  Major  Bledsoe,  of  Murray's  regiment, 
vras  prompt  and  efficient  in  burning  the  wagons,  which  could  not  be 
removed.  Lieutenant  McNeil,  of  my  staff,  and  private  Copeland,  of 
the  third  Confederate  regiment,  burned  several  wagons  under  very 
"heavy  tire  from  the  enemy  ;  the  wagons  were  riddled  with  bullets 
during  the  firing. 

Night  coming  on,  I  started  for  Murfrcesboro',  which  place  \ 
reached  at  one  o'cloek,  A.  M.,  next  morning,  after  a  march  of  forty 
miles,  and  four  hours  fighting.  My  loss  in  Murray's,  Smith'.?  and 
Cox's  regiments,  and  Malone's  battery,  in  officers  and  men,  was  very 
considerable.  The  command  encamped  the  remainder  of  the  night 
on  the  left  of  our  line  of  battle. 

On  Friday  I  was  ordered  by  General  Bragg  to  the  right.  When 
Breckinridge  attacked  the  enemy's  left  on  Friday  .  afternoon,  having 
received  no  intimation  that  such  an  attack  was  contemplated,  I 
accompanied  Pegrani's  battery  to  the  front  and  right,  with  companies 
D  and  K  of  the  Texas  rangers,  and  my  escort  company.  Captain 
Paul  Anderson.  Not  being  able  to  induce  General  Pegram  to  open 
with  his  battery,  (he  being  fearful  of  firing  into  our^  own  troops,)  I 
took  charge  of  the  battery,  placing  it  upon  a  commanding  hill>  and 
opened  fire  upon  a  heavy  column  of  the  enemy,  advancing Trom  their 
extreme  left  to  turn  Breckinridge's  right.  The  fire  was  so  efFectiye, 
26 


402 

Ihe  ranee  not  boin^  orcr  five  handred  yards,  as  to  shoot  down  their 
Btainlurd.  and  throw  tliem  into  confusion.  Tlic  fire  was  continued 
until  my  horse  was  shot  ^was  thrown  in  his  etrufrgles,  and  when  I^ 
succeeded  in  getting  aiTother  horpe  the  buttery  hiid  been  run  ofl",  with- 
out any  occasion  whatever.  Shortly  after  this,  Dreckinridge's 
division  gave  way.  I  ?ent  an  order  back  for  niy  con)mand  to  dis- 
mount and  to  advance,  to  cover  our  retreating  forces.  I  rode  across 
the  fiehl  and  joint-d  General  Preston,  whom  I  found  at  tin.'  head  of 
the  remnants  of  his  brigade,  going  to  where  my  men  were  formed  en 
foot.  The  command  remained  in  saddle  all  night,  in  rear  and  as  the 
support  of  a  battery  o.i  our  extre;:  e  right. 

During  ^aturdHy  nothing  of  importance  occurred,  the  ccmmand 
being  held  upon  the  extreme  right,  lo  prevent  the  enemy  from  turn- 
ing thai,  flank. 

In  obedience  to  orders  from  Lieutenant  General  Polk,  1  moved  the 
command  before  daylight  Sunday  ;iiorning  into  Murfreesboro'.  I  left 
three  regiinnnta  to  burn  a  bridge  ar.d  fall  back  slowly  before  the 
enemy,  and  sent  the  remainder  six  ruiles  on  the  Shelbyville  pike  to 
feed,  since  which  time  I  have  been  at  this  point,  picketing  and  pro- 
tecting the  front  cf  our  army. 

It  is  considered  proper  to  state  that  on  Monday,  the  39th,  wo  v?  "O 
engaged  the  entire  day,  between  the  Franklin  dirt  road  and  the  \Yil- 
kinson  pike,  with  a  large  force  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  and  that  the 
Texan  rangers  acted  with  even  more  than  their  usual  gallantry  in  a 
dathing  charge,  saving  one  regiment  of  the  brigade  from  a  complete 
rout  by  the  enemy's  forces 

I  take  pleasure  in  reporting  the  conduct  of  the  entire  command, 
in  the  diiftircnt  ongagenionts,  as  characterized  by  intrepidity  and  a 
determination  to  conq.uer  at  ail  hazards.  The  rangers^  being  armed 
with  lovolvers,  are  better  prepared  to  meet  the  enemy's  cavalry  than 
other  regiments  in  the  brigade. 

The  battle  of  Wednesday  was  fought  at  great  disadvantage  on  our 
part,  the  enemy's  cavalry  being  much  more  efficiently  armed  and 
equipped.  The  proper  weapon  for  cavalry  has  been  proven  to  be  t  e 
revolver. 

It  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  commend,  in  the  highest  terms, 
both  officers  and  soldiers.  Colonels  Cox,  Anderson  and  Smith,  Lieu- 
tenant Colonels  Malone  and  Estis,  Captains  Cooke  and  Christian,  of 
Texas  rangers,  and  Captain  Ilardie,  of  General  McCown's  escort, 
behaved  with  the  utmost  gallantry  and  judgment.  Major  F.  M.  Ren 
0  mmanded  the  second  Georgia  during  Wednesday's  fight.  The 
members  of  my  staff  were  prompt  and  efficient,  and  reckless  of  dan- 
ger. The  loss  of  the  brigade  was  one  hundred  and  eight  killed  and 
wounded,  and  one  hundred  and  seven  captured  ;  one  hundred  and 
fifty  horses  killed.  A  detailed  account  of  the  casualties  have  been 
8cnt  to  General  Bragg. 

Captain  White,  of  my  battery,  whose  gallantry  upon  this  and  every 
other  field  was  most  conspicuous,  v?as  taken  ao  violently  ill  upon 
Wednesday  night  as  to  render  it  entirely  impossible  for  him  to  be 
removed  upon  our  evacuation  of  Murfreesboro'. 


403 

Colonel  Ashby  was  ordered  to  report,  carlj  Thursday  morning,  to 
General  Pcgram,  with  his  rvgiment,  and  was  not  in  my  brigade  after- 
Wards. 

!ihe  entire  strength  of  the  brigade  was  about  two  thousand. 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain, 

Ycur  most  obedient  servant, 
•  JOHN  A.   WHARTON. 

Brigadier  General  of  Cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  TIIABUE. 

Headquarters    Trarur's  (l\te  Hanson's)  Brigade,  ) 
TullnJwm-j,  January  15,  18(^3.  ) 

T.  O'Hara,  a.  a.  G.: 

Sir:  The  untimely  full  of  the  gallant  and  lamented  Hanson.  Brig- 
dier  General  commanding,  this  brigade,  in  the  engagemeni  on  Friday, 
the  2d  instant,  at  Murfrcesboro',  imposes  on  me  the  duty  of  reporting, 
to  the  extent  of  7uy  knowledge,  the  operations  of  the  briga'le  prior  to 
and  after  his  fall,  in  the  bat^e  before  that  place : 

On  Sunday,  the  brigade  having  received  orders  to  that  ofTect, 
marched  from  their  camp  in  rear  of  Murfreesboro',  at  eight  o'clock, 
A.  M.,  tathe  position  in  the  front  line  of  battle  indicated  for  our  oc- 
cupation. This  brigade  formed  the  left  of  General  Breckinritlge's 
division,  and  in  line  rested  with  its  left  on  or  near  Stone  river,  ex- 
tending eastward  until  the  right  was  united  to  Colonel  Palmer's  brig- 
ade. The  position  first  taken  up  (the  exact  line  not  having  been 
pointed  out)  was  along  the  skirt  of  woods  in  rear  of  the  open  fields, 
east  and  south  of  Stone  river,  which  aiforded  by  the  exii>tence  of  a 
small  ridge  running  parallel  with  the  front,  and  a  consequent  depres- 
sion in  roar,  very  good  protection  against  the  enemy's  long  range  artil- 
lery 

On  Monday,  Semple's  battery  of  six  Napoleon  guns,  furnished  by 
the  chief  of  artillery,  was  placed  on  the  crest  immediately  in  front  of 
the  right  wing,  and  Cobb's  liattory  was  held  to  be  placed  later.  Thus 
formed  in  line,  the  fourth  Kentacky  was  on  the  right;  second  Ken- 
tucky, Major  Hewitt,  second  ,  forty-first  Alabama,  Colonel  Talbird, 
third;  sixth  Kentucky,  Colonel  Lewis,  fourth  ;  and  ninth  Kentucky 
■on  the  left,  Colonel  Hunt. 

On  Monday  evening  it  was  perceived  that  the  enemy  meant  to  oc- 
cupy immediately  all  the  advantageous  positions  in  our  front,  of 
which  he  could  possess  him?elf,  for  artillery.  A  prominent  elevation 
existed  one  thousand  yards  in  front  of  our  left,  which  General  Breck- 
inridge desired  we  should  hold,  notwithstanding  it  was  liable  to  as- 
sault, being  isolated  one  thousand  yards  in  front  of  our  lines.  To 
this  end.  Colonel  Hunt,  with  the  ninth  Kentucky  ;  Colonel  Lewis, 
sixth  Kentucky  ;  Lieutenant  Colonel  Sfansil.  forty-first  Alabama,  and 
Cobb's  battery,  were  ordered  to  occupy  it.  Throwing  out  skirmishers, 
they  were  soon  engaged  with  those  of  the  enemy.  The  force  above 
named  was  then  moved  up  to  the  front,  in  support  of  the  skirmishers, 
and  succeeded  in  establishing  Cobb's  battery  on  the  eminence.  This 
was  not  accomplished  without  the  loss  of  two  valuable  officers,  Lieu- 
tenants Beale  and  Kennard,  of  company  D,  ninth  Kentucky,  the  for- 
mer severely,  the  latter  slightly  wounded.  By  this  time  it  was  dark, 
when  the  enemy  endeavored,  in  a  spirited  effort,  to  retake  the  posi- 
tion, rapidly  driving  in  our  skirmishers,  and  approaching  to  within  a 
few  yards  of  the  .battery.     This  attempt  was  frustrated  by  promptly 


405 

•advancing  the  fort^-firgt  Alabama,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Stansil, 
when  the  enemy  were  driven  off  in  confusion,  leaving  two  of  their 
dead  near  the  battery.  Our  loss  here  amounted  to  not  less  than  ten 
wounded,  falling  mainly  on  the  sixth  Kentucky  and-  Cobb's  battery, 
among  whom  was  Lieutenant  Ilolman,  sixth  Kentucky. 

On  Tuesday  night,  these  regiments  were  withdrawn,  and  I^  with 
the  second  and  fourth  Kentucky,  and  Cobb's  battery,  occupied  this 
position.  It  was  deemed  of  the  last  importance  to  hold  this  hill,  and 
orders  were  received  to  do  so  at  all  hazards,  it  Icing  called  the  key  of 
the  battle-field. 

On  Wednesday  evening,  the  entire  brigade  was  brought  up,  having 
been  reinforced  by  a  section  of  Lumsden's  battery,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  Chalaron,  and  a  section  of  the  Washington  artillery,  com- 
manded-by  Lieutenant  Tarrant,  and  Scrapie's  battery,  having  taken 
up  a  position  six  hundred  yards  in  rear  and  left  of  us,  a  seotion  of 
this  battery  replaced  for  one  night  Cobb's  battery. 

During  the  week  which  followed,  we  were  kept  here  bivouacking  in 
the  muil  and  rain,  and  exposed  to  an  incessant  fire 'from  the  enemy's 
batteries  and  sharpshooters.  A  temporary  and  slight  intrenchment 
was  made,  which  to  seme  extent  protected,  the  batteries,  but  the  casu- 
alties at  this  place  wero  not  inconsiderable,  amounting  to  fifty  men, 
as  stated  above,  and  as  will  appearby  reference  to  regimental  reports. 

During  the  engagement  of  Wednesday,  time  and  again  did  the  gal- 
lant Cobb,  aided  by  his  not  Icssgallent  lieutenants,  and  the  three  sec- 
tions before  referred  to,  disperse  the  enemy's  columns  as  they  endea- 
vored to  succor  that  part  of  their  force  engaged  with  the  right  of  the  left 
wing  of  the  army.  Indeed,  during  every  day  of  our^occupation  of 
this  hill,  our  battery  did  signal  service,  frequently  driving  the  ene- 
my's artillery  away,  and  often  dispersing  his  infantry.  All  th'is  while, 
the  brigade  covered  more  than  a  mile  of  front,  with  skirmishers  and 
pickets,  using  for  that  purpose  from  six  to  ten  companies  daily, 
i'hese  advanced  to  within  one  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy  in  many 
places,  and  were  hourly  engaged.  On  this  hill,  Cobb's  battery  lost 
eight  men.  Colonel  Hunt,  ninth  Kentucky,  lost  a  most  excellent  offi- 
cer killed — his  adjutant,  Henry  M.  Curd — whdBC  death  all  lament ; 
and  wounded  Captain  Jos.  Desha,  whose  subsequent  conduct  elicited 
universal  praise,  together  with  Lieutenant  Lewis,  company  A,  and 
Buchanan,  company  II,  wounded,  and  three  other  officers  and  twenty- 
three  privates.  (See  detailed  statements.)  Colonel  Lewis,  sixth 
Kentucky,  lost  slightly  here.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Stansil,  forty-lirst 
Alabama,  lost  here  two  of  his  best  officers  and  several  men.  The 
second  and  fourth  Kentucky,  though  equally  exposed,  lost  less  at  this 
point. 

On  Friday,  the  2d  instant,  at  three  o'clock,  the  order  came  to  move 
to  the  right  and  front,  and  form  the  left  of  the  front  line  of  Breckin- 
ridge's division,  to  attack  that  portion  of  the  enemy's  left  which  was 
iposted  in  the  woods  and  ravines  'on  the  south  side  of  Stone  river,  op- 
posite the  extreme  right  of  our  army,  which  was  done.  Colonel  Hunt, 
with  his  regiment,  remained  at  the  hill,  ordered  to  support  the  bat- 
tery, and  six  companies  were  kept  out  as  before,  on  picket  duty,  thus 


4m 

leaving  us  for  the  fight  iibout  twelve  hundred  men.  Stono  rivcr^ 
in  front  of  this  now  position,  riin'^  ne-.uly  pirall"!  with  thn  now  lino, 
but  inclined  to  tlic  point  occupied  by  the  fight  of  this  brigade,  when 
by  a  change  of  direction  to  the  north,  it  runs  for  some  distance 
nearly  perpendicularly  from  the  front  of  our  line.  At  this  point, 
whence  the  river  changes  its  direction  northward,  is  a  skirt  of  woods 
and  an  elevated  ridge,  behind  wliich.  and  in  the  ravines  and  w,ood9, 
the  enemy  lay  concealed.  To  th.;  right  of  our  line,  the  ene;ny  wero 
likewise  posted  in  a  wcod,  thus  outflanking  us.  A  thousand  yards 
in  the  front  from  this  first  skirt  of  woods,  is  a  ford  of  the  river,  while 
the  bank  of  the  river  oppa^itc  us,  between  the  ford  and  point  of  at- 
tack, overlooks  the  south  and  eastbank.  One  mile  further  down  the 
river  is  another  ford,  as  I  have  f-inec  learned.  This  topogranby,  aa 
well'as  the  enemy's  strength,  were  wholly  unknown  to  m.  The  two 
lines  ot  the  division  having  been  formed,  the  signal  for  att  cV  waa 
sounded  at  four.  P.N].,  when  the  brigade,  in  line,  moved  steadily  forward 
to  the  attack,  with  arms  loaded  and  bayonets  fixed,  instructed  to  fire  one  o 
and  then  charge  with  the  bayonet.  The  peculi  ir  nature  of  the  ground 
and  direction  of  the  river,  and  the  eagerness  of  the  troop''.  can«ed  the 
lines  of  General  Pillow's  ("iformerly  Palmer's)  brigade  and  this  brig- 
ade to  lap  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  but  the  fury  of  the  charge  and  the 
eflfective  fire  of  the  lines,  put  the  enemy  at  once,  to  flijrht.  All  in 
front  of  us  that  were  not  killed  pr  captured,  ran  acro'-s  the  river  at 
the  ford,  and  out  of  range  of  our  fire,  as  di<l  a  battery  which  had 
been  posted  off  to  our  right,  and  many  of  the  infantry  mentioned  be- 
fore as  being  on  the  right,  likewise  lied  across  tliis  ford.  A  pirt, 
however,  of  this  force,  double-quicking  towards  the  ford,  from  their 
position,  finding  they  would  be  cut  off,  formed  in  line  to  our  rii;ht  on 
a  ridge,  and  not  being  assailed,  held  this  ground  meanwhile,  and  from 
the  moment  cf  beginning  the  attack,  the  enemy's  artillery  from  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river  directed  on  us  a  most  destructive  fire  ;  very 
Boon,  too,  the  crests  of  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  swarmed  with 
infmtry,  whose  fire  was  terrible.  Thus  exposed  to  the  fire  peemingly 
of  all  his  artillery,  and  a  large  portion  of  his  infintry,  from  nnas- 
eailable  position-?,  as*^vell  as  to  the  flmking  fire  from  the  light,  it  wag 
deemed  prudent  to  withdraw.  This  wis  done  slowly,  ihongli  not  in 
the  best  ordt;r,  resulting  mainly  from  the  confusion  consequent  upon 
ihe  too  early  advance  of  the  second  line  into  ground  already  too 
much  crowded  by  the  first.  The  lines  wero  reformed  about  six  hun- 
-dred  yards  in  rear' of  the  river,  and  near  the  lite  from  which  we  ad- 
•vanced  to  the  attack. 

Whilst  tbus  engaged  in  reforming  my  own  regiment.  I  received  in- 
"telligence  of  the  fall  of  General  Hanson,  when  I  took  comrannd  of 
the  brigade,  the  other  regiments  of  whnh  had  1  kewise  been  reformed. 
■This  brigade  in  the  battle  having  advanced  to  within  eighty  yards  of 
"the  ford,  part  of  Colonel  Levis' sixth  Kentucky,  and  a  pirt  of  the 
second  K'Uitucky,  having  crossed  the  river  a  little  to  the  left,,  when^ 
aear  the  ford  slightly  protected  by  a  picket  fence  on  this  side,  they 
fought  the  enemy  across  the  river,  until  the  rear  having  fallen  back 
jmade  it  necessary  to  withdraw  them  also.     I  obtained  returns  on  th© 


407 


fiehl,  shewing  still  in  line  more  than  h;iif  tho  men  with  which  we 
Started,  notwithstanding  a  loss  of  thirt\'-three  per  cent.  I  remained 
in  line  until  nine  o'clock,  having  replenislied  thecartidge  boxes,  when 
I  received  orders  to  return  to  my  originul  position  on  the  hill,  which 
was  obeyed.  We  remained  in  this  po.-?ition  until  Sanil.vy  morning,  at 
one  o'clock,  A.  M.,  when  halving  been  assignr'(l  tho  duty  of  bringing 
up  the  rear,  we  m'ved  oif  with  Colonel  Hunt's  ninth  Kentucky, 
f>rty  first  Alabama,  Lieutenant  Colonel  StMnsil,  and  Cobb's  battery, 
being  detailed  as  special  rear  guard.  My  pickets  wiye  withdrawn  at 
three  o'clock,  A.  M.,  by  <'aptain  Boschc,  of  the  ninth  Kentucky,  un- 
der direction  of  Captain  Martin,  of  General  Breckinridge's  stalT. 

I  have  thus  briefly  given  you  a  report  of  the  part  tnken  by  this 
brigade,  omitting  many  details  and  incidents  creditah'.e  to  individuals 
and  the  command. 

In  the  absence  of  a  report  from  my  own  regiment,  fourth  Kentucky, 
prior  to  the  time  when  I  took  command  of  the  brigade.  I  will  st:ite 
gitrply  that  both  officers  and  men  did  their  duty,  Willie  Robert'*, 
mnjor,  was  killed  early  in  the  action,  by  a  grape  shot  Than  him,  there 
was  not  a  more  gallant  officer  ;  he  had  not  recovered  from  wounds  re- 
ceived at  Baton  Rouge.  Lieutenant  ColoYiel  Nuckolds  was  wounded 
in  shoulder  near  the  picket  fence;  Captain  Brr.mlott,  First  Lieutenant 
Burnley,  iSecond  Lieutenant  Iligjiinson,  Second  .Lieutenant  Chiyton, 
S'.eor.d  Lieutenant  Dunn,  were  killed  ;  and  Lieutenants  Dudley,  Robert 
Moore,  (since  said  to  have  died.)  John  Moore,  Lashhrock.  and  Thomp- 
Bon,  were  wounded,  together  with  privates  and  non-commisiioned 
officers.  One  company,  Captain  Ti ice's,  being  on  picket  duty,  waa 
not  in  the  engagement.  The  color-bearer,  Robert  Lindsay,  being 
■wounded,  refused  to  allow  any  one  to  accompany  him  to  the  rear,  al- 
though bleeding  at  the  mouth  and  nose.  He  ban  led  the  colors,  on  re- 
turn, to  private  Jones,  who  was  ki!k-d.  when  they  were  borne  to  the 
last  by  Joseph  Nichols,  of  company  F.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  of 
twenty-three  officers  of  this  regiment  who  went  into  the  fight,  seven 
were  killed  and  six  wounded.  The  command  of  the  regiment  was,  on 
•my  assuming  command  of  the  brigade,  turned  over  to  Captain 
Thompson.'  •  ■ 

The  detailed  statement  heretofore  furnished,  show  the  casualties  to 
have  been  as  follows  : 


Kilkd. 

Wuundid. 

Missing 

Second  Kentucky, 

14 

Ti' 

24 

Fourth         " 

12 

47 

11 

Sixth 

2 

60 

i4 

Ninth 

1 

28 

— 

J^orty-first  Aliibama, 

IS 

ea 

ib 

Cobb's  battery, 

3 

.     3 

— 

5!»  297  84 

Total  loss— 43 L 

The  conduct  of  Colonel   Lewi?,  and  Lieutenant   Colonel   Stansil, 

forty-first  Alabama,  Major  James  Hewitt,  second   Kentucky;   Lieu- 


'  408 

t«»nani  Colonel  Niu-koltis  aud  Captain  Thompson,  of  fourth  Kentucky, 
ns  Mcii  :is  tli.'it  of  the  otlier  fi'jM  and  company  cfiiccrs  eiigngcil,  Wii» 
gulJau.t  in  the  highest  degrov',  and  the  men  repeated  also  the  stcadi- 
:jcss  and  courage  "wiiich  character  zed  them  at  Doiielpon,  Shilch.  Baton 
Rouge,  Vicksburg,  and  Ilartsvillc.  Lieutenants  l:rtake,  Benedict, 
anil  Captain  Chipley,  of  General  Ilaufjon's  staff,  boro  thcnisolvea  with 
exeniphiry  courage.  M}-  thanks  are  due,  toe-,  to  the  medical  staff, 
ixud  to  Captain  Semplo,  division  ordnance  officer,  and  acting  Lieutenant 
Presley  Trabue,  brigade  ordnance  officer,  for  their  promptness  in  bring- 
ing up  supplies  c*  amruunition;  and  to  mj  Adjutant,  Robert  "Williams, 
of  fourth  Kentucky. 

I  cannot  close  this  repoit  without  more  special  mention  of  one 
wliose  gallantry  and  capacity  vre  all  witnessed  with  pride,  and  whoso 
loss  we  and  the  whole  army  sincerely  deplore,  I  mean  the  gallant 
General  Hanson,  who  fell  in  the  pride  of  his  manhood,  in  the  thickest 
of  the  fight,  nobly  doing  his  duty.  His  wound  was  mortal,  and  death 
ensued  on  Sunday  morning  at  five  o'clock. 

Colonel  Hunt,  ninth  Kentucky,  though   not  in   the  engagement  of 
Friday,  deserves  commendation  ibr  his  conduct,  prior  and  .subseiiuent 
to  til  at  time,  as  do  the  othcH'  oihccrs  and  men  oi  his  rci^iraent. 
Rc^pectfullv, 

R.  r.  TRABUE, 
CcUmel  cnmmandh\g  Brigade.. 

P.  S. — The  missirg  were  those  who  went  into  the  engagement, 
but  who  were  not  seen  to  come  out,  and  must  have  been  killed  or 
wounded  I  f:nd  ak-o  I  have  omitted  to  mention  that  Lieutenant 
Oolttnel  Staiisil  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  leg,  but  did  not  quit 
th<)  field,  and  still  commands  his  regiment, 

R.  r.  TRABUE,  Cuhml,  S^c. 


REPOllT  OF  COLONEL  VAUGIIAN. 

IIkadquarters  Fourth  Brigade,  ^ 

First  Bivifiwn,  Polk's  Corps,  Army  of  TomoiSce,       > 

Camp  near  Shelby villc,  January  9,   18G3.  ) 

Captain  John  Ingram,  A.  A.   G.  : 

Captain:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  an  official  report  of  the  action 
of  the  fourth  brigade,  first  division,  Polk's  corps,  army  of  Tennessee, 
in  the  battles  before  Murfreesboro',  temporarily  under  my  command, 
during  the  engagement  of  the  31st  December,  and  the  preliminary 
skirmish  of  the  day  before. 

The  brigade  consisted  of  the  one  hundred  and  •fifty-fourth  senior 
Tennessee  regiment,  Lieutenant  Colonel  M  Mageveny,  Jr.;  thir- 
teenth Tennessee  regiment,  Lieut.  Colonel  W.  E.  Morgan;  twelfth 
Tennessee  regiment,  Major  J.  N.  Wyatt;  forty-seventh  Tennessee 
regiment.  Captain  W.  M.  Vfatkins  ;  ninth  Texas  infantry.  Colonel  W. 
H.  Young;  twenty-ninth  Tennos.see  regiment,  Major  J.  B.  Johnson  ; 
Captain  P.  T.  Allen's  company  of  sharpshooters,  Lieutenant  J.  R.  J. 
Orcighton  ;  and  the  light  battery  of  Captain  W.  L.  Scott. 

Our  line  was  formed  with  the'left  resting  on  the  Triune  road,  three 
hundred  yards  in  the  rear  of  Loomia'  brigade,  not  far  behind  Smith's 
houbc.  ■  The  one  hundred  and  fifty- fourth  senior  Tennessee  regiment 
being  detached  to  the  support  of  Robertson's  battery,  occupied  a  po- 
aition  near  the  front  line,  with  its  right  resting  on  the  same  road,  and 
opposite  tlie  house  before  named.  .  About  three  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon of  the  Silth,  skirmishing,  which  had  been  going  on  between  the 
pickets  on«the  whole  line,  was  entered  into  w'ith  great  warmth  in  my 
front,  and  a  battery  of  the  enemy,  which  had  been  posted  on  an  ad- 
vantageous spot,  opened  upon  the  woods  in  which  ray  command  was 
in  line,  shelling  it  with  great  fury,  and  wounding  soire  of  my  ofiicers 
and  men,  at  the  same  time  engaging  Robertson's  battery  in  an  artil- 
lery duel  of  torrildc  severity.  At  one  time  this  battery  was  threat- 
ened with  an  impetuous  eharge  by  the  enemy,  when  the  one  hundred 
and  fifty-fourth  senior  Tennessee  regiment,  in  support,  rushed  for- 
ward, resisting  vvitli  great  gallantry  the  attempt,  losing  in  killed  and 
wounded  several  of  its  ofiicers  and  men  After  a  shelling,  about  dark, 
of  the  camp  fires  of  this  regiment  by  the  enemy,  the  contest  closed 
tor  the  day,  and  we  rested  upon  our  arms  for  the  night. 

At  daylight  the  next  morning  the  battle  opened,  and  before  sunrise 
I  received  information  that  the  front  line  neided  immediate  support, 
and  moved  my  command  forward.  The  ninth  Texas  regiment  having 
been,  for  safety,  rested.about  one  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  its  posi- 
tion in  alignment,  was  unable,  because  of  that  fact  and  the  want  of 
room  between  the  right  of  the  line  and  the  road,  it  being  on  ttie  ex- 
treme left,  to  move  in  line  with  the  brigade,  accordingly  C;iptain  M, 
W.  Clusky,   A.  A.  General,  moved  it  and  rested  it  on  the  right  of 


410 

Wood's  bri^rade.  Movin;^  the  balmce  pf  toy  brigade  obliquely  across 
the  open  field  to  tlie  rear  nnd  ri^hc  of  Smith's  liouso,  undor  a  treracn- 
doirs  jirtil'ery  and  infantry  fiie,  1  soon  occupied  the  fiont  of  our  line 
on  the  l^ft  of  Manigault's  brigade,  and  engaged  a  largely  superior 
force  of  the  enemy  in  a  hotly  contested  fight,  driving  hi^n  aw.iy  from 
two  of  his  guns,  which  had  been  prominent  in  contesting  our  advance. 
About  the  liune  timi^  my  a-sidtatit  adjutant  goncral  gave  Colonel 
Young,  of  the  ninth  Texas  infintry,  onlvrs  to  move  forward  fromtho 
position  in  which  he  h^xl  placed  it,  on  the  right  of  Wood's  brigade,  and 
attack  the  enmny  shekereii  in  the  woods  in  fro.it  of  hira,  which  he  did 
in  most  gallant  style,  and  succeeded  in  driving  him.  thou"!:  uitli 
great  loss,  through  the  woods  and  open  field  on  the  other  si<ie.  On 
the  ri^hr.,  after  Wnving  the  enemy  from  the  guns  mentionel,  M.ini- 
gtults  brigide,  not  bi-ing  supporteil  by  its  reserve,  gavevvay,  und  my 
brigade,  having  none  either  m  re?ervo  or  on  my  immediate  left,  was 
forced  by  the  enemy,  heavily  reiuf<  reed,  to  withdraw,  which  it  did, 
after  being  commnnii.'d  t)y  me  so  to  do,  in  g' od  order,  lallying  on 
their  colors  on  tht  ir  oricnr^l  line. 

1  again  advanced  my  conimand  tiiis  titEe  through  the  woods,  and 
to  the  k-ft  of  my  former  line  of  advance  to  a  larij^e  open  field,  between 
the  Wilkinson  and  Triune  pikes,  under  a  ],.")vy  fire  of  artillery,  form- 
inj;  on  the  left  of  Maney's  brig:;dc.  I  |;l.iced  the  i  inth  Texiis  infantry, 
which  had  again  unite<l  \\iih  my  coniniand,  on  my  right,  and  resteil 
my  men,  to  j-helt^r  thcni  from  tlio  swcre  artillery  fire  of  the  eneiny, 
which  wa\  being  ui.rt  uiiiiingly  liailed  upon  them.  Ordered  by  M:'jor 
General  Cheatham,  i  moved  ful-wanl  with  Maney  on  my  rit^ht,  and 
unsupported  on  my  left.  i!eacliir.g  the  woods  near  the  Wilkinson 
pike,  1  encountered  Bri^jadier  (jenera)  Bushrod  Johnson's  brigade  on 
a  line  of  battle  j)crpendicular  to  my  own.  Ai'ter  a  delay  on  tliis  ac- 
count, I  received  the  onk-r  to  advau'-e  and  engage  the  enemy. 

Moving  through  Johnson's  line  of  battle,  1  ch  mged  frorft.  and  ad. 
vanc'ed  on  the  enemy,  ttuckly  posteil  in  the  woods  on  my  light,  from 
whirh  they  had  been  shelling  our  lin^js.  Uf)on  our  hear  approacii,  ho 
fled  through  the  skirt  r.f  v.ood  across  the  Will; in<o;i  fnvard  the  Nash- 
ville piko>  I  again  changed  front,  and  crossing  the  Wdkinson  pike, 
moved  through  the  same  wuods  on  ilicir  left  ilmk,  with  a  view  of  cut- 
ting tiiem  off. 

\N  hen  about  half  through  the.so  woods,  eng;iging  the  enemy  on  my 
right  Hank  as  I  went  along,  I  mot  a  line  of  b.ictle  somewhac  1  ipping 
my  left,  which  I  found  to  be  Wood's  brigade  engaging  another  force 
of  the  enemy  in  the  front.  General  Wood  desired  my  support  to  save 
him  from  being  fluiked  on  the  right.  Accordingly  1  moved  forward 
and  engaged  this  force,  driving  him  across  the  open  field  and  dirt  road 
into  the  only  remaining  fidd  between  us  and  theNa.shville  pike,  where 
a  large  wagon  train  of  the  enemy  was  distinctly  visible.  At  this 
poitit  I  foutid  myself  about  to  be  flanked  on  •my  right  by  a  strong 
force  of  the  enemy,  posted  in  the  woo(is  to  tiie  right  of  the  fieM.  See-. 
ing  no  signs  of  any  support  on  my  right,  wbich  I  had  supposed  was 
following  me  to  continue  my  alig'nn^'ut  on  the  right,  I  concluded  to 
rapidly  coatinue  my  advance  upon  the  e.iemy,  which  had  been  driven 


411 

towards  the  pike,  and  which  had  again  rallied  and  formed  in  line,  and 
hy  driving  him  to  fore?  the  troops  threatening  my  flank  to  retire. 
Such  v.as  the  spirit  smd  vigor  with  which  my  men  pursued  this  ohj-ct, 
that  the  troops  on  my  left  did  not  keep  up  with  them,  and  Ijefore  I 
could  effect  the  purpose  I  had  in  view,  ray  right  ibnk  was  so  peverely 
Cnfilided,  that  I  was  compelled  to  retire  them,  after  again  driving  tho 
enemy  from  one  of  his  batterifes,  which  on  that  account  1  was  unable 
to  bring  off.  Withdrawing  my  troops  to  tho  Wilkinson  pike,  I  thero 
remained  in  line  of  battle  on  our  extreme  left  for  the  remaining  short 
portion  of  the  day,  and  for  the  entire  night. 

There  was  no  renewal  of  the  engngoinent  on  Thursday,  and  on  Fri- 
day n)orning  Brigadier  General  Preston  Smith  having  arrived,  I 
turned  over  his  command  to  him.  The  battery  of  Captain  Scott  being 
otherwise  disposed,  was  not  engaged  with  the  brigade  in  the  actions 
reported  on.  Its  subsequent  operations  will  I'orni  the  subject  of  a  re- 
port from  its  Captair:,  through  Brigadier  General  Preston  Smith. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  refer  to  the  gj.llant  conduct  of  the  entire 
command  Obeying  with  alacrity  every  order  I  gave  them  to  forward, 
engaging  the  enemy  whenever  they  met  him  with  a  spirit  and  impetuosi- 
ty, wliich  evinced  their  earnestness;  retiring,  even  though  opposed 
to  the  most  galling  fire,  only  when  I  ordered  them,  and  rallying  upon 
their  colors  whcr-ever  ihey  were  called  upon  to  do  so,  they  presented 
an  exhibition  of  heioic  valor  seldom  et^u.ilUd  and  never  surpassed  by 
any  body  of  men.  The  report  of  the  fatality  in  the  brigade,  demon- 
stratts  how  well  they  have  earned  the  tribute  I  pay  thern.  The  killed 
and  wounded  amon<:st  officers  illustrates  how  well  ihey  stood  at  their 
posts  th)ough  all  of  the  peril.  The  horses  of  every  one  of  the  gene- 
ral field  and  staff,  except  one,  and  every  one  of  the  regimental  field 
and  staff,  except  two,  were  killed  under  them.  Tho  incidents  of  con- 
spicuous gallantry  were  so  nrmorous  as  to  preclude  the  mention  of  all 
of  them  in  this  report.'  (Colonel  Young,  of  the  ninth  Texas  infantry, 
seized  the  Colors  of  hi-?  regiment  in  one  o(  its  most  gallant  charges, 
and  led  it  through.  When  standaid-bearer  Quinn,  a  gallant  soldier 
of  the  one  hundred  and  fifty-fourth  senior  Tennessee  regiment,  was 
killed,  Maj')r  Dawson  snatched  the  broken  staff  and  carrie«l  itwithth6 
colors  at  the  head  of  the  legiment,  during  the  balance  of  the  fight. 
In  many  instance  entire  oflieers  of  some  of  the  companies  were  killed 
and  wounded,  and  they  were  gallantly  l?d  by  the  non-commissioned 
oOicers.  In  the  thirteenth  Tennessee  regiment,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Morgan  was  mortally  wounded.  Major  Cole  was  killed,  and  senior 
Captain  Crook  was  dangerously  wounded.  Captain  Lanier  took  charge 
of  the  regiment,  and  carried  it  gallantly  through  the  ngut. 

All  the  regimental  commanders  behaved  in  a  manner  worthy  of  tho 
responsible  po.^ition  they  had  been  called  upon  to  occup3^  The  com- 
pany of  sharpshooters  was  placed  to  the  right  of  the  one  hundred  and 
fifty  fourth  senior  regiment,  and  not  used  as  a  separate  command.  Its 
commanding  officer,  Lieutenant  Creighton,  was  dangerously  wounded, 
ami  Second  Lieutenant  Bunch  was  killed,  whilst  nobly  leading  their 
men.  Lieutenant  Pattison  carried  them  through  the  remainder  of  the 
fight  with  great  credit.     Captain  M.  W.  Cluskey,  A.  A.  General,  dis- 


412 

charged  his  duty  to  the  fullest  extent.  Entrusting  to -hi in  the  execu- 
tion of  the  most  important  orders,  he  earned  them  out  with  a  prompt- 
ness and  coolness  which  greatly  facilitated  me  in  the  direction  of  the 
brigade.  In  one  of  the  warmest  charges  near  the  Nashville  pike,  his 
horse  was  killed  under  hi[n.  I  must  hear  especial  tCJ^timonj  to  the 
gallant  conduct  of  Lieutenant  Frank  B.  Rodgcrs,  aid-de-camp,  and 
John  "W.  ILirris,  assigned  to  duty  on  my  8taff,  who  rendered  most 
efficient  aid  in  carrying  out  my  orders,  and  in  rallying  and  cheering 
the  men  by  their  own  example  of  personal  daring  and  valor.  Lieu- 
tenant Rodgers  had  a  horse  killed  under  hira.  Major  E.  A.  Bcecher, 
brigade  quartermaster,  by  his  attention  to  the  removal  of  the  wounded 
from  the  field,  the  burying  of  the  dead,  and  the  gathering  up  of  the 
guns  and  ammunilicn  scattered  upon  it,  and  hi.^  efficiency  in  every 
way  necessary  to  promote  the  interests  of  the  ccmraand,  is  entitled  to 
especial  commendation. 

Accompanying  this  you  will  find  a  report  of  the  killed  and  wounded 
and  missing,  in  the  command,  as  also  the  separate  reports  of  Colonel 
W.  H.  Young,  commanding  nintli  Texas  infantry,  and  senior  Captain 
R.  F.  Lunier,  commanding  thirteenth  Tennesseo  regiment,  to  which 
you  are  respectfully  referred. 

Kespectfully, 

A    J.  VAUGIIAN,  Jr., 
Sc.:\ior  Colonel  commandins:  Brisade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  VANCE. 

Headquarters  Second  Brigade,      ) 
Shelby villc,  I'env.,  Jan.  10,  lc(>3.  ) 

Major  Bradford,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Sir  :  I  Lave  the  honor  to  submit  my  report  of  the  part  taken  in  the 
battle  of  Murfreesboro',  on  the  Slst  ultimo,  by  the  second  brigade, 
General  McCown's  division  : 

On  the  morning  of  the  Slst  the  brigade  was  formed  in  line  at  day- 
break, the  twenty-ninth  North  Carolina  regiment  having  jvist  arrived 
from  McMiniiville,  Tennessee.  The  command,  "forward,"  was  soon 
given,  andthe  whole  command  promptly  sprang  forward,  soon  taking 
the  double-quick  step,  which  was  kept,  under  the  direction  of  Gene- 
ral Rains,  (who  gallantly  led  his  troops  forward.)  until  arriving  at  a 
lane  wjiere  we  encountered  the  enemy's  pickets,  who  fired  up<!n  us 
and  fled.  One  man  in  the  twenty-ninth  North  Carolina  was  killed  in 
the  firnt  fire.  Crossing  the  fences,  the  double-quick  was  taken  again, 
the  enemy's  skirmishers  continuing  to  retreat  rapidly  before  our 
shouting  and  triumphant  troops,  Thechorge  was  continued  for  about 
the  distance  of  three  miles,  when  the  command  was  halted,  the  left 
(lank  resting  on  a  creek.  Here  the  stragglers  were  gathered  up,  and 
the  brigade  reformed. 

During  the  charge,  the  twenty-ninth  North  Carolina  regiment  cap- 
tured one  twelve  pound  howitzer,  one  six  horse  wagon  laden  with  am- 
munition, and  one  medical  wagon,  while  the  gunners  were  driven  from 
a  battery  on  the  right  of  Colonel  Stovall,  third  Georgia,  and  the 
pieces  sent  to  the  rear.  The  charge  was  so  rapid  that  time  was  not 
afforded  to  ascert;iin  the  niimber  of  pieces  thus  sent  back,  as  the  com- 
mand was  not  halted  for  a  moment.  After  resting  for  a  short  time,  the 
command  was  moved  some  distance  by  the  right  flank,  then  moved  by 
the  front  through  several  fields  into  a  grove  of  oaks.  At  this  point, 
the  brigade  was  changed  somewhat  Colonel  Stovall,  third  Georgia, 
was  placed  on  right;  ^^|^or  Smith,  ninth  Georgia  next,  then  Colonel 
Vance,  twenty-ninth  North  Carolina,  leaving  Colonel  Jordan,  elev- 
enth Tennessee  on  the  left.  In  this  manner  we  advanced,  encounter- 
ing the  enemy  in  force  in  a  few  moments.  He  delivered  one  fire  and 
fell  back  in  confusion,  our  boys  pushing  on  with  enthusiasm,  charg- 
ing through  the  forest  and  driving  the  enemy  pell  mell  before  them. 
The  enemy  formed  again  on  a  slight  elevation  in  front,  from  which  they 
were  soon  driven  into  a  cedar  thicket,  and  from  thence  finally  into  a 
large  field  under  cover  of  their  giins,  a  heavy  battery  of  which  opened 
on  us  at  once  with  shell,  grape  and  canister,  while  the  enemy's  infantry 
rallied  and  opened  fire  from  two  or  three  heavy  lines  of  battle.  Here 
was  the  struggle  for  the  day,  and  a  hard  one  it  was.  Almost  imme- 
diately after  this  hard  contest  began,  our  gallant  and  noble  Brigadier 
General  James  E,  Rains,  was  shot  through  the  heart,  falling  dead 


414 

from  his  horpp.  Siill  the  troops  fought  on,  (hough  the  fill  of  so  (hir- 
ing a  leader,  nccessuil}'  produce  I  considerable  confusion.  Owing  to 
the  denpe  cedar  thicket  through  which  wc  were  charging,  the  third 
and  ninth  Georgia  battalions  got;  separated  from  the  twenty  ninth 
Koith  Carolina  and  eleventh  Tennessee  on  the  extreme  right.  Frqia 
the  reports  of  Colonel  Stovall  aiui  Major  Smith,  I  learn  that  these 
gallant  comraandd  vrere  holly  engaged  in  front  and  on  the  right  flank, 
being  subject  to  an  enfilading  fire.  They  drove  the'onemy  from  his 
pofiiion,  and  finding  the  line  falling,  back  joined  it,  and  leformed  in 
the  oak  woods.  They  subsequently  obtaineil  position  on  the  light  of 
General  Johnson's  brigade,  and  continued  there  until  placed  in  the 
new  line  of  battle,  ner  the  cedar  swamp,  and  were  kept  in  line  till  Fri- 
day r.ight,  January  2d,  ISC3,  having  occisional  skirmishes  with  the 
enemy  in  front.  In  the  meantime,  the  twenty-ninth  North  Carolina 
and  eleventh  Tennessee  after  continuing  the  engagement  for  some 
time,  found  their  ammunition  exhausted,  and  accoidingly  retired  to 
get  supplied,  and  to  lesover  the  line  fully.  Here  again  the  twetjty- 
ninlh  North  Carolina  and  the  eleventh  'J'ennessee  became  separated, 
ns  through  a  mi.stake  the  comra  tnds  went  to  dilT^rent  points  for  am- 
munition. From  Colonel  Thedford-'s  report  (Colonel  Jordan  hav- 
ing been  wounded  in  the  cedar  thicket,)  I  learn  that  atter  getting  iho 
cartridge-boxes  filled,  they  went  in  with  General  Liddell's  brigaile, 
and  sustained  heavy  loss  in  a  severe  action,  capturing  several  pieces 
which  they  wore  compelled  to  abandon  for  want  of  support.  The 
twenty-ninth  North  Carolina  also  returned  to  the  field,  and  was  or- 
dered to  attack  a  brigade  of  the  enemy  which  was  trying  to  flank 
General  McNaii.  Tbe  comm:ind  moved  across  the  open  field,  being 
exposed  to  a  raking  fire  fiom  the  enemy's  battery  near  by,  but  meet- 
ing Geiieral  McNair's  biigado  ci)uiing  out.  llie  command  was  ordered 
to  join  ir,  which  it  did  in  the  woods  to  the  rear,  where  they  were  aho 
joined  by  the  eleventh  Tennes.see.  lleceiving  orders  to  •'  obey  the 
onlers  of  General  llaiper,"  1  joined  my  two  regiments  to  General 
McNiiir's  brigade,  au<l  we  were  moved  on  the  new  line  of  battle,  con- 
stituting General  Mc(Jown"s  right,  on  General  Cheatham's  left.  Here 
we  lay  in  line  of  battle  till  Friday  night,  January  2d,  I8GJ,  occasion- 
ally skirmishing  in  front,  and  constantly  expecting  the  attack  to  be 
renewed.  From  the  report  of  first  Lieutenant  W.  A.  McDuffie,  Eu- 
faula  light  artillery,  I  learn  that  his  battery  was  engaged  with  the  en- 
emy for  an  hour  on  the  3()ih  December,  an  I  that  he  was  tben  ordered 
to  lake  position  in  (ront  of  his  ov^n  (second)  brigade,  (behaving  beea 
supporting  Robint'on's  battery,)  but  could  not  do  so  for  want  of  am- 
munition, which  was  supplied  during  the  night. 

On  AVednesday,  3 1st,  ho  was  ordered  to  thj  front,  and  took  posi- 
tion on  the  Nolensville  pike,  but  was  not  engaged.  Second  Lieuten- 
ant McKenzie  was  ordered  to  take  •position,  with  two  pieces,  on  the 
extreme  left,  with  Gencial  JJuford.  Here  he  was  engaged  on  Slst  for 
two  hours,  co-operaiing  with  GeneralAVheeler's  cavalry.  The  report 
speaks  highly  of  the  conduct  of  tbe  men.  From  all  that  1  saw,  and 
hav^e  since  heard  of  the  conduct  of  the  troops  on  the  field;  I  feel  that 
I  cannot  Bpeak  too  highly  of  them.     The  ground  charged  over  first 


,  415 

and  last  waa  quite  five  miles,  and  the  time  occupied  in  the  charge 
three  hours  and  forty-five  rainutes.  Tho  field  and  staff  officers  of  the 
diiferent  corainands,  and  the  brigade  staiT  offii.'ers,  beiiaved  nobTy.  and 
have  surely  merited  high  favors  at  the  hands  of  their  country.  It  is, 
perhaps,  unnecessary  to  speak  further  of  G-eneral  Ilains.  His  gal- 
lantry and  daring  exposure  of  himself  was  certainly  not  surpassed 
upon  the  field.  Peace  to  his  ashes.  As  coining  under  my  own  eye, 
1  beg  to  mention  Adjutant  J.  E.  IToey,  of  the  twenty-ninth  North 
Carolina,  who  behaved  with  extraordinary  courage  upon  the  field,  en- 
couraging the  men  by  word  and  deed.  Several  oflUcers  had  their 
horses  killed.  For  the  casualties  of  the  command,  I  refer  you  to  the 
report  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

ROBT.  B.  VANCE, 
Colond  commanding  2d  brigade^  army  E.  Tennessee. 


IlEPOKT  OF  COLONEL  GIBSON. 

Headquarters  Adams'  Bkfgade,  Breckinridge's  Division,  j 

JIardecs  Corps,   Army  of  Tennessee,       \ 

Tullahoma,  January  II,  18G3.  ) 

Colonel  T.  O'IIara,  A.  A.  A.  General  : 

Sir  :  I  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  repc.rt  of  the  part  taken 
by  the  thirteenth  Louisiana  volunteers  in  the  action  of  the  ;)Ist: 

We  were  posted  on  the  right  of  Adams'  brigade,  the  right  of  the 
regiment  re.-tting  near  the  river,  and  the  two  left  companies  overlap- 
ping the  railroad  track.  We  advanced  in  line  of  battle  until  wo 
reached  the  house  destroyed  by  fire,  and  the  point  at  -vThich  the 
ground  swelled  into  a  cone-iderable  hill,  stretching  towards  the  line  of 
the  enemy,  and  where  the  river  turned  off  quite  abruptly  to  the  right. 
We  here  hnlted,  in  order  that  disposition  might  be  made  to  pass  the 
obstacles  in  front  of  us.  The  "regiment  next  to  the  thirteenth,  the 
si.\teenth  Louisiana  volunteers,  having  been  thrown  into  column,  we 
then  advanced  up  the  ascent,  leaving  quite  an  unoccupied  space  be- 
tween the  I'ight  and  the  river. 

Ascending  the  elevated  position,  I  discovered  the  enemy  moving 
troops  rapidly  down  the  river  on  our  right,  and  placing  them  also  in 
ambush  in  the  corn  field  on  our  front.  Riding  to  the  railroad  track, 
I  saw,  not  more  than  fifty  yards  distant,  a  line  of  battle  of  the  ene- 
my, u-iing  the  embankment  as  a  breastwork  and  to  conceal  them  from 
our  troops  on  the  low  ground  to  our  left.  The  line  of  battle  on  the 
railroa'l  track,  as  the  line.uf  batth  on  the  river  bank,  was  at  right 
uDgles  to  our  advancing  line,  and  the  enemy  reserved  his  fire  until 
the  corn  road  was  flanked.  So  soon  as  I  discovered  the  disposition 
of  the  enemy,  I  rode  across  the  railroad  and  informed  General 
Adams,  It  was,  however,  too  late  to  accomplish  a  timely  change  in 
our  positions.  Moreover,  from  the  moment  of  our  advance  in  the 
face  of  the  enemy,  their  artillery  had  kept  a  constant  fire  upon  us, 
while  the  fire  of  his  infantry  was  reserved,  rendering  it  the  more 
difficult,  in  addition  to  the  broken  nature  of  the  ground,  to  make  new 
dispositions. 

The  first  fire  vre  received  was  from  the  river  bank,  and  directed 
upon  the  infirmary  corps  of  the  regiment,  posted  considerably  in  our 
rear.  I  immediately  moved  the  regiment  double-quick  by  the  right 
flank  towards  the  river,  but  finding  a  front  as  well  as  flanking  fire 
.open  upon  us,  I  commanded  a  halt  and  determined  to  contest  the  field. 
The  right  of  the  regiment  stood  4|rm  for  a  few  minutes,  but  under  the 
conibined  fires  gave  w-ay.  The  men  naturally  faced  the  direction  in 
which  the  severest  fire  came,  and  this  caused  some  confusion.  We 
were  enabled  to  hold  the  left  in  its  position,  the  fence  in  its  front 
i^ording  some  protection.  I  felt  the  necessity  of  holding  our  posi- 
tion until  the  balanco  of  the  brigade,  already  falling  back,  should 


417 

pass  the  point  at  which  the  enemy  was  pressing  us  on  the  right. 
Should  this  be  prematurely  lost,  there  had  been  a  very  much  larger 
force  than  tlie  rest  of  the  brigade,  with  every  advantage  of  position, 
covering;  its  entire  front  and  enveloping  its  right  Hank.  I  called 
upon  Major  Austin  to  forai  on  my  line  and  assist  in  its  defence.  In 
a  few  moments  he  disposed  his  battalion  of  sharpshooters  as  I  sug- 
gested. We  were  aucce^sful  in  holding  thfr  high  ground  on  the  right 
of  the  railroad  until  the  left  portion  of  the  brigade,  driven  back  by 
a  storm  of  artillery  and  infantry  firo  on  its  front  and  iiank,  had 
reached  a  point  beyond  our  line.  The  ground  was  much  broken,  a 
continuous  line  of  battle  could  not  be  formed  on  the  hill,  and  this 
was  one  of  the  main  reasons  why  there  was  some  apparent  irregu- 
larity in  falling  back.  I  should  do  injustice  to  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  thirteenth  Louisiana  volunteers,  did  I  not  state  that  they  dis- 
played the  best  qualities  as  soldiers.  It  is  difficult  for  troops  to  stand 
firm  against  gr^it  odds,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  front  and  .on  the 
flank.  This  was  not  only  done  for  some  minutes,  but  at  the  outset, 
and  until  the  full  force  of  the  enemy  was  developed  on  our  right 
flank,  we  drove  back  his  line  on  our  front,  charging  beyond  the  fence  - 
in  the  corn  field,  and  rescuing  the  colors  of  some  Confederate  regi- 
ment, which  had  previously  engaged  the  enemy  in  this  position,  and 
whose  dead  marked  plainly  its  line  of  battle.  I  send  the  colors,  that 
you  may  return  them  to  the  gallant  regiment,  whose  brave  dead  spoke 
its  eulogy.  Major  Charles  Guillet,  acting  lieutenant  colonel,  com- 
manding the  right,  contributed  much  to  steady  this  exposed  flank  of 
the  command.  I  am  indebted  chiefly  to  Captain  M.  0.  Tracy,  acting 
major  and  in  charge  of  the  left  wing,  for  the  steadiness  with  which  it 
moved  forward  and  for  its  handsome  behavior  on  retiring.  This  offi-*^ 
cer  has  been  mentioned  in  every  report  of  various  battles  in  which 
the  regiment  has  been  engaged — Shiloh,  Farmington,  Perryville — 
and  having  loSt  his  leg  in  this  action,  I  would  especially  commend 
him  to  the  favorable  consideration  of  our  superior  officers.  To  Cap- . 
tains  King,  Bishop  and  Ryan,  the  praise  of  having  borne  themselves 
with  great  efficiency  and  marked  courage  is  especially  due.  Adju- 
tant  Hugh  H.  Bein  acted  with  becoming  coolness  and  efficiency,  and 
to  the' color-bearer.  Sergeant  Roger  Tammure,  and  Sergeant  Major 
John  Farrell,  great  credit  is  due  for  their  disregard  of  personal  danger 
and  soldierly  conduct.  We  moved  to  the  rear  of  our  artillery,  and 
were  no  longer  on  that  day  under  the  infantry  fire  of  the  enemy. 
Lieutenants  Hepburn  and  Smith  were  killed  in  this  action.  They 
were  brave  and  devoted  soldiers.  A  reference  to  the  list  of  casual- 
ties will  show  the  heavy  loss  sustained  in  this  action. 

I  have  the  honor  to  remain  your  obedient  servant, 
27  R.  L.  GIBSON,   Colonel  commanding.. 


KEPORT  OF  COLONEL  CARTER. 

IIeadquarteus  Thirty-eighth  Tennessee  Regiment,  ^ 

First  Brigade,  First  Livision,  P.   C.,  A.  T.,  •         > 

Near  Shelbjville,  January  14,  1863.  ) 

Major  J.  G.  Martin,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Major  :  In  obedience  to  orders  I  hcre^Yith  report  that,  on  Wednes- 
day morning,  December  3l8t,  1862,  between  nine  and  ten  o'clock, 
'  General  Donelson's  brigad6,  to  -vvbich  my  regiment  is  attiiched,  was 
ordered  to  charge  the  enemy,  drawn  up  in  line  of  battle  in  front  of 
Murfreesboro',  Tennessee.  My  regiment  advanced  over  an  open 
field,  and  under  a  very  terrific  fire.  The  enemy  was  strongly  posted 
in  a  dense  cedar  thicket,  and  well  supported  by  artillery.  At  first  he 
seemed  unwilling  to  yield  his  ground.  We  steadily  approached  him, 
tind  soon  he  broke  and  lied  in  confusion.  We  pursued  him  rapidly, 
the  men  loading  as  they  advanced.  We  drove  him  from  the  woods, 
never  permitting  him  to  reform.  We  fought  him  until  the  fighting 
on  Wednesday  ceased. 

In  the  charge,  my  regiment  captured  seven  pieces  of  cannon  and 
about  five  hundred  prisoners,  and  killed  at  least  one  hundred  of  the 
men. 

I  take  pleasure  in  acknowledging  the  valuable  services  of  Major 
•  li.  W.  Putter.  He  behaved  very  gallantly,  indeed,  during  the  entire 
engagement.  Capta.ins  Keen,  Alsup,  Cot^k  and  Gartarn,  Lieutenants 
Slaughter,  Miller,  tSaunders,  McDufly,  Pentacost,  Scott,  Wilson, 
Beard,  Barrow,  Ilicks,  Doughty  and  JLland,  acted  with  great  bravery 
and  coolness-  Captain  R.  S.  CarutLers  was  severely  wounded  early 
in  the  engagement.  He  was  nobly  acting  his  part  when  the  unerring 
missile  struck  him.  Quartermaster  Sergeant  Robert  Keen  deserves 
much  praise  for  his  brave  and  gallant  conduce. 

The  whole  regiment  fought  well,  and  every  member  of  it,  with  four 
or  five  exceptions,  seemed  animated  with  a  determination  to  conquer 
or  die. 

1  deeply  regret  the  death  of  Captain  B.  M,  Holland,  He  was  shot 
through  the  brain,  and  died  with  the  colors  of  his  regiment  in  his 
hands.  When  he  died,,  the  Confederacy  lost  one  of  its  best  citizenB 
and  bravestf  soldiers. 

Color  Sergeant  J.  M.  Rice  was  shot  down ;  he  still  clung  to  the 
flag,  apd,  crawling  on  his  hands,  carried  it  a  short  distance ;  another 
bullet  pierced  his  body,  &nd  death  alone  compelled  him  to  yield  his 
trust.     A  nobler  soldier  never  lived;  a  braver  never. died. 

We  return  thanks  to  God  for  the  victory  won. 
I  am,  respectfully, 

JOHN  J.  CARTER, 
Commanding  Eegimeni. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  PAiMER. 

Winchester,  Tennessee,  Feb.  G,  1863. 

ToT.  O'IIara,  v4.  A.  a:g., 

Tullnlioma,   Tennessee  :  * 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  this  report  of  the  operations  of- 
the  second  brigade,  Breckinridge's  division,  army  of  Tennessee,  in 
the  late  battles  at  Murfreesboro'. 

The  following  regiments  compose  the  brigade:     Twenty-sixth  Ten- 
nessee, Colonel  Silbird  ;  eighteenth  Tennessee,  (mjown,)  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Butler  commanding ;  torty-fifth  Tennessee,   Colonel  Searcy ; 
Twenty  eighth  Tennessee,  Colonel  Cunningliam  ;  Thirty-second  Ten- 
nessee, Col.  Cook,  (at  that  time  near  Wartraoo  on  detached  service,)  and 
Moses'  battery.  Lieutenant  Anderson   commanding.     It  occupied  the 
left  centre  in  the  front  line  of  the  division,  in  line  of  battle — Gene- 
ral Hanson  being  on  my  left,  and    Generals  Preston   and  Adams  on 
the  right ;  antl  took  that;  position  on  Sunday  morning,  December  23thv . 
1862.      I  kept  constantly  deployed  a  line  of  skirmishers  covering  ray 
front.     On  \Vednesd;#y    morning,  learning    that   a  wagon  train  and  a. 
body  of  Federal  troops  had    appeared  at  the  distance  of  a  mile  and  a. 
half  in  front  of  my  line.     I  ordered  forward   my  skirmishers   to  in- 
vestigate their  strength    and  position,    and   sent   Captain   D.    II.  C. 
Spence,  of  my  stall",  to  <lirect   their  operations.     They   soon   united 
with  a  detachment  from    General    Pegram's  cav.'ilry,  "and  the  two  co- 
operating,   captured   eighteen   wagons   and  one  hundred  and  seventy 
prisoners,  without  any  loss    on  our   part.      Captain  Gid.  11.  Lowe,  of 
the  eighteenth  Tennessee,  and  Captain    Spence,  deserve   much  credit 
for  their  gallantry  and  eflfciency  on  that  occasion.     At  noon  on  Wed4 
•nesday,  December  31st,  I  "was  ordered   by  Gen.  Breckinridge  (-as  was 
also  General  Preston)  across  Stone's  river  to  the  left  wing  of  our  gen- 
eral line  of  battle.     Arriving  there,  We  were    immediately  ordered  to 
move  upon  the  enemy's  position  just  west  of  Cowan's  residence.     In 
this  charge,  General  Preston  was   on  the  right,  while  I  was  directed 
to  form   upon  and  move   with    his    left,    and  during  the  movement  to  - 
effect  a  general  change  of  direction  of  my  line  to  the  right,  so  as  to  ■ 
support  the  right  brigade   and    flank    the  enemy.     The  several  regi- 
ments of  my  brigade  moved    gallantly   and  steadily   forward    in  this 
charge,  although  exposed  to  a  terrible  fire  from  Yankee  artillery,  fora 
distance  of  four  hundred  yards  across  an   open  and  unprotected  field. 
The  movement  was  successful  on  our  part.     The  Federal  forces  aban- 
doned their  ground,  retreating  weStwardly  back  on  the  main  body  of 
their  troops,  where  their  position  was  strongly  protected  by  embank- 
ments thrown   up   in   the    construction  of  the  railroad,  some  natural 
elevations  of  the  ground,  and  the  cover  of  their  artillery.     On  these 
accounts  we  did  not  pursue  them  further.     A  list  of  the  killed  and 
wounded  in  this  engagement  has   already  been  furnished,  which  I. 
respectfully  ask  may  be  taken  as  a  part  of  this  report.    In  this  action 


420 

both  the  men  and  officers  of  the  brigade  behaved  with  most  becoming 
courage  and  gallantry,  displaying  a  high  degree  of  unfalter- 
ing determination  a^d  bravery,  now  mentioned  alike  in  jus- 
tice to  them,  and  ■with  the  utmost  satisfaclwon  to  myself.  At  one 
o'clock  on  the  following  morning,  under  orders  from  General  Breck- 
inridge, I  recrossed  the  river  and  returned  to  my  former  position. 
Nothing  occcured  on  Thursday  except  slight  skirmishing  in  my  front, 
and  occasionni  shelling  from  the  enemy.  At  about  ten  o'clock,  on 
Friday,  February  2d,  under  directions  from  General  Breckinridge,  I 
strengthened  my  line  of  skirmishers,  and  ordered  them  forward,  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Alexander  llall,  of  the  forty-fifth 
Tennessee.  Major  Graves  was  also  ordered  forward  with  a  few  pieces 
of  artillery,  which  Mere  supported  by  the  left  companies  of  the 
eighteenth  Tennessee,  under  command  of  Major  Wm.  H.  Joyncr. 
They  soon  encountered  a  very  heavy  line  of  Federal  skirmishers,  and 
after  a  severe  contest  drove  them  back  with  a  loss  of  two  killed  and 
eleven  wounded  on  our  part.  The  enemy's  loss  was  •ascertained  to  be 
much  greater,  both  in  killed  and  wounded.  Shortly  after  this.  Gene- 
ral Pillow  assumed  command  of  the  brigade,  whereupon  I  took  charge 
of  ray  regiment.  In  the  skirmish  on  Friday  morning,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  llall  bcre  himself  with  decided  gallantry.  The  men  and  offi- 
cers under  him.  also  acted  nobly.  Throughout  the  period  covered  by 
this  report,  Captains  C.  N.  Yanderford,  ISJdth.  Gocch,  J).  H.  C. 
vSpence,  F.  II.  Ljtle,  and  T^Jajor  James  S.  Barton,  of  my  staff,  were 
all  prompt,  gallant,  and  efficient  in  the  discharge  of  their  Several 
duties.  I  am  also  much  indebted  to  each  of  these  officers  for  many 
acts  of  personal  kindness  and  voluntary  services. 

I  conclude  this  report  with  the  remark  that  in  consequence  of 
wounds  received  in  the  leg,  knee  anl  shoulder,  in  the  engagement  of 
Friday  evening,  at  Murfrcesboro',  it  has  not  been  possible  for  me  to 
prepare  it  earlier  ;  and  with  the  request  that  it  be  iki>y  received  and 
considered,  '         . 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  B.  PALMER, 
Colonel  commanding  second  brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  FIELD. 


General  Maney 


In  compliance  viith.  orders,  I  must  submit  to  you  the  following  re- 
port of  the  part  my  command  took^  the  action  before  Murfrecsbcro' 
on  Wednesday,  December  31st,  1862  : 

Enemy  opened  fire  on  me  just  as  our  line  arrived  at  the  brick  kiln, 
some  four  or  five  hundred  yards,  south  of  the  AVilkinson  pikei,  from  a 
four-gun  battery,  about  two  hundred  yards  distant,  which  I  thought 
at  first  wag  our  own  battery,  from  its  position  and  our  very  close 
proximity  to  it  before  it  opened  fire.  With  that  belief  I  ordered  the 
men  to  lie  down  and  sent  Lieutenant  James  forward  to  tell  them  that 
they  were  firing  on  their  friends.  He  approached  within  fifty  yards 
of  the  battery,  ^vhen  he  was  shot  dead  by  its  support.  I  still  believed 
it  to  be  our  own  battery,  and  sent  another  mounted  officer  to  see.  I 
think  it  W'as  Lieutenant  Marsh.  I  do  not  know.  He  rode  within 
forty  yards  of  it,  when  its  support  rose  up  and  fired  a  volley  at  him, 
but  .fortunatisly  missing,  when  he  wheeled  his  horse  and  made,  his 
escape.  Then  I  became  convinced  it  was  the  enemy,  and  ordered  my 
regiment  to  open  fire,  which  they  obeyed  with  reluctance,  the  men 
thinking  it  was  our  own  people.  Cut  after  firing  a  few  rounds  they 
became  satisfied  it  was  the  enemy,  and  then  opened  with  great  vigor, 
driving  the  enemy  from  his  guns,  which  guns  we  passed  over  as  we 
advanced,  and  also  passed  over  another  battery  on  the  other^side  of 
the  pike.  All  the  loss  sustained  by  my  regiment  was  in  the  engage- 
ment at  the  brick-kiln,  which  was  some  eighty  odd,  and  was  the  only 
place  that  we  actually  engaged  the  enemy.  Great  credit  is  due  both 
officers  and  men,  who  behaved  themselves  with  coolness  and  courage, 
and  showed  themselves  worthy  of  the  regiment  to  which  they  belong. 
Captain  Maney  and  his  company  was  attached  to  my  regiment 
throughout  the  wholer,  and  acquitted  themselves  with  equal  credit  with 
the  rest  of  the  command.  Captain  Cockrill  was<|with  me  during  the 
action,  and'  rendered  valuable  service,  for  which^  I  tender  him  my 
thanks.  '  He  had  his  horse  killed  under  him  whilst  riding  in  front  of 
the  regiment  encouraging  the  men. 

H.  R.  FIELg, 
Colonel  comd'g  first  Tennessee  regiment. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  McMURRAY. 

Regimental  Headquarters,  near  SiiELnvNiLLE,  Tenn., 

January  20th,  1863. 

Captain  Thojias  H.  Malone,--4.  A.  General:      * 

I  respectfully  report  that  my  regiment,  agreeable  to  orders  from  Brig. 
Gen.  G.. Maury,  commanding  brigade,  marched  from  their  camps  early 
on  the  morning  of  December  29th  last,  anci  took  their  position  in  line 
of  battle,  in  the  centre  of  the  brigade,  before  Murfreosboro',  on  the 
west  bank  of  Stone's  river,  and  remained  there  until  the  morning  of 
31st,  the  day  of  the  general  engagement,  except  the  first  evening, 
when  it  was  ordered  to  march  to  the  left  a  lew  hundred  yards,  when 
firing  from  artillery  and  infantry  indicated  that  a  strong  attack  might 
be  made.  The  regiment  encamped  there  until  the  next  day,  when  it 
was  ordered  back  to  its  first  position  in  line  of  battle. 

At  an  early  hour  on  the  mon)ing  of  the  Slst,  the  firing  from  artil- 
lery and  infantry  gave  evidence  that  all  parts  of  the  front  line  wero 
engaged  in  battle,  when  the  regiment,  as  early  as  eight  o'clock,  A. 
M.,  was  ordered  by  the  brigade  commander  to  advance  for  the  pur- 
pose of  participating  in  the  battle.  The  regiment  advanced  to  a  dis- 
tance of  some  five  hundred  yards,  until  it  reached  our  front  lino  of 
battle,  ■when  it  was  halted,  when  the  brigade  which  occupied  our 
front  line  of  battle  for  som?  cause,  had  been  thrown  into  disorder 
and  confusicn.  After  halting  here  some  twenty  minutes  until  the  bro- 
ken lirigade  had  reformed  in  our  rear,  and  being  allthe  while  under 
fire  from  artillery  and  infantry  of  the  enemy  in  po.sition  in  a  skirt  of 
woods  a  little  in  advance  of  the  brigade,  near  what  is  called  the  Wil- 
kinson pike,  the  regiment  again  received  orders  to  advanco,  which  v.-as 
done  by  making  a  circle  through  a  cotton  field,  until  the  direction  was 
changed  to  the  right,  when  the  regiment  encountered  a  strong  battery, 
well  and  ably  supported  by  infantry,  in  position  not  more  than  three 
hundred  yards  in  acn'ance  of  the  righ:  of  the  brigade,  and  apparently 
•not  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  distant,  from  the  first  bat- 
tery, which  opened  on  the  brigade.  This  second  battery  was  consider- 
ably, some  say  three  hundred  yards  or  more,  in  rear  of  the  forces  of 
the  enemy,  (^  their  right,  being  driven  back  a  considerable  distance 
by  the  fire  of  the  artillery  and  infantry  combined,  a  most  destructive  fire 
was  directed  against  our  advancing  ccluran,  and.  it  being  altogether 
uncertain  whether  the  missiles  of  death  were  directed  by  friend  or 
foe,  the  regiment  was  halted  and  covered,  and  protected  itself  as  well 
as  possible  upon  this  ground,  and  behind  obstaclea,  until  it  could  be 
ascertained  by  whom  we  were  being  fired  upon.  Here  the  brigade 
commander,  who  was  immediately,  in  the  rear  of  my  regiment,  sent 
some  of  his  staff  to  ascertain  this  fact,  and  I  desire  hero  to  call  at- 
tention to  the  skill,  gallantry  and  cool  courage  of  Sergeant  Oakley., 
color-bearer  of  my  regiment,  who,  whilst  the  regiment  was  thus  wait- 


423 

ing  and  in  doubfc,  volunteered,  and  did  march  out  with  the  flag  of  liis 
country,  some  eight  or  ten  paces  in  advance  of  his  regiment,  and  held 
aloft  the  flag  which  he  bore,  erect,  some  ten  minutes  i^  a  conspicuous 
place  for  the  fire  of  the  enemy,  and  amidst  a  terrific  fire,  to  te.^t;  by 
whose  fire  the  brigade  was  suffering  so  severely.  Thq  continued 
heavy  firing  directed  upon  our  lines,  soon  demonstrated  that  the  bat- 
tery and  its  support  were  not  mistaken  friends  of  ours  ;  and  the  bat- 
tery belonging  to  the  brigade  was  placed  in  a  position  by  the  brigalc 
commander,  on  an  eminence, -when  it  and  all  the  infantry  of  the  brig- 
ade opened  a  well-directed  and  destructive  fire  against  the  ho3ti(p 
battery  and  infantry,  and  after  a  heavy  fire  from  us,  continued  sota6 
fifteen  or  twenty  minutes,  we  drove  the  battery  and  its  support  froia 
their  position,  which  resulted  in  the  battery,  consisting  of  four  pieces 
of  artillery,  being  carried  off  by  the  enemy  some  hundred  ami  fifty 
yards,  when  it  was  captured  by  and  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  brigade, 
the  enemy  being  unable  to  carry  them  any  farther ;  my  regiment  pang- 
ing immediately  by  the  captured  guns.  The  loss  to  my  regiment  in 
dislodging  this  battery  and  its  infantry  support,  from  this  well  se- 
lected pO'>ition  in  the  woods,  (our  brigade  having  to  attack  them  fro:n 
an  open  field,)  was  very  considerable.  I  have  to  regret  the  loss  of 
W.  P.  Skilton,  Captain  of  company  K,  in  ray  regiment,  who  was  here 
mortaljy  wounded.  This  was  a  severe  loss  to  his  company;  also,  that 
Captain  C.  Brown  was  very  severely  wounded  in  the  thigh — a  brave 
officer — who  is  disabled  from  any  further  field  service  ;  and  also  the  loss 
of  two  non-commis-ioned  officors,''and  privates  andsome  forty  non  coia- 
missioncd  officers  and  privates  were  wounded;  and  here  John  Shane, 
adjutant  in  the  regiment,  wa.-^  wounded  in  the  arm,  who  had  rendoro.l 
valuable  assistance  on  the  day  of  the  battle,  exhibiting  much  cpui-age.' 

After  driving  the  enemy  from  their  position,  the  regiment,  with  the 
brigade,  under  orders  from  the  commander,  advanced  through  a  skirt 
of.  woods.  When  they  had  proceeded  about  half  through  the  woods, 
the  enemy,  from  their  numerous  batteries  at  the  Nashville  and  Muv- 
freesboro'  turnpike,  began  and  directed  a  heavy  cannonading  against 
our  advancing  line,  which  continued  for  s.ome  twenty  minutes,  result- 
ing in  the  wounding  of  some  two  or  three  men  in  my  regiment;  ar.d 
from  here  regiment  and  brigade  which  had  been  in  the  present  line  cf 
attack  ever  since  it  had  arrived  at  our  front  lino  of  battle,  advance! 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Field,  (General  M^iney  being  assigned 
to  take  command  of  the  left,)  to  a  field  to  the  Nashville  and  Mur- 
freesboro'  turnpike,  Avherc  it  jvas  directed  to  be  halted,  and  where  it 
opened  a  fire  on  the  enemy's  lines  on  the  turnpike,  when  one  officer  of 
the  regiment  was  wounded,  atKl  one  private  klled,  which  closed  the  fight 
on  the  part  of  my-  regiment  that  day.  My  regiment  camped  here 
that  night,  on  our  extreme  front  line,  and  remiined  on  our  extreme 
front  line,  except  one  night,  until  our  forces  were  withdrawn  on  Sat- 
urday night  at  two  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  brigade  "constituting  the  re::r 
guard  of  the  retiring  forces. 

During  the  three  days  after  the  fight  of  the  3 1st,  the  enemy  kept 
up  a  brisk  but  irregular  fire  on  our  line,  which  was  not  returned  in 
any  "way,  except  by  eorac  skirmishers,  which  I  kept  constantly  in  front 


424 

of  mv  rcpiment,  and  who,  it  is  believed,  did  considerable  execution 
against  the  enemy  by  the  discharge  of  their  small  arms.  I  hi^ve  fur- 
ther to  report,  that  the  men  and  ofiicers  of  the  regiment  endured  con- 
siderable hardships  and  privations  during  the  six  days  we  wert  in  line 
I  of  battle  before  Murfrcesboro\  vrith  great  patience  and  fortitude,  such 
as  becomes  true  soldiers,  v  ithout  uttering  any  complaints,  and  that 
the  field,  stafl"  and  compnny  officers  gallantly,  and  uiih  alacrity,  per- 
formed their  duties  during  the  whole  time,  and  to  whose  assistance 
much  is  d-ue  to  the  part  performed  by  the  regiment  during  the  en- 
gagement.    All  of  vfbich  is  respectfully  submitted. 

J.  A.  McMURRAY, 
Colonel  commanding  fourth  Tennessee  regiment. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  WALKER. 

Shelbyville,  Tenn.,  Jan.  11),  1863. 
To  Brig.  General  Alex.  i*.  Steavart  : 

About  sunrise  Monday  morning,  December  29tb,  the  nintcenth 
Tennessee  regiment,  under  my  command,  moved  on  the  left  of  your 
brigade  to  a  position  previousl^^  selected,  on  the  north  bank  of  Stone's 
river,  where  we  were  posted  in  line  of  battle,  as  the  extreme  lef  t  regi-: 
ment  of  the  brigade.  The  regiment  numbered  in  line  three  hundred 
and  forty-eight  privates  and  non-commissioned  officers,  three  company 
officers,  three  field  offitcrs,  and  adjutant ;  aggregate,  three  hundred 
and  eighty-two. 

AVe  remained  at  the  point  above  mentioned,  in  line  until  nine 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  Wednesday,  uninterrupted  except  by  the  occasional  ' 
cxplgsion  near  us  of  a  stray  shell  from  the  enemies  batteries,  when 
we  moved  forward  in  line  with  the  brigade  to  the  attack,  to  the  sup- 
port of  the  front  lino  of  the  corps,  we  being  in  the  second  line.  On 
our  ^'ay  we  met  many  stragglers  and  wounded  men  from  the  front 
lines  retiring  to  the  rear,  the  former  deiaoralized,  the  latter  disabled; 
the  first  we  tried  to  turn  back,  urging  them  to  renew  their  efforts,  the 
last  we  could  but  pity.  Some  four  hundred  yards  from  our  first  posi- 
tion we  came  to  the  position  previously  occupied  by  the  front  or  first 
lines  the  dr'y  before,  and  where  they  had  thrown  up  a'  temporary 
breastwork  of  loose  stones  and  timber.  At  and  behind  this,  the  regi- 
ment halted  for  half  an  hour  or  more,  under  a  heavy  fire  from  some 
unseen  batteries  in  our  front, 

x\t  this  point,  while  my  men  were  lying  behind  the  loose  wall  of 
rock,  a  shell  struck  the  latter  near  the  centre  of  ray  left  wing,  wound- 
ing, by  the  fragments  and  shattered  rock,  six  of  my  men,  all  of  whom 
wbere  disabled,  and  one  of  whom  died  soon  after.  Moving  from  this 
point  we  came  to  the  Wilkinson  pike,  up  which  we  moved  by  the  left 
flank  near  three  hundred  yards,  ivhen  again  resuming  the  movement 
to  the  front,  we  moved  forward  through  a  field  to  the  top  of  a  slight 
elevation,  where  the  battery  which  had  been  playing  on  us  is  believed 
to  have  been  posted;  but  just  as  we  were  resuming  the. march  to  the 
front,  and  crossipg  the  Wilkinson  pike,  we  could  distinctly  sec  by  the 
action  of  the  men  in  the  front  line,  (  for  we  had  now  come  in  sight  of 
them,)  that  they  were  on  the  eve  of  being  driven  back,  if  indeed  they 
had  not  already  entirely  given  way;  manj  of  them  were  falling  back, 
and  all  seemed  disorganized.  But  bur  line  promptly  moved  up  to  their 
support,  and  crossed  the  field  to  the  elevation.  Here  for  the  first  time 
we  could  see  the  evidences  of  the  conflict  in  the  field.  Beyond  the  ele-' 
vation  numbers  of  dead  and  wounded  were  lying,  both  Confederates 
and  Federals,  horses,  arms,-  and  equipments,  and  here  we  first  felt  tho 
fire  of  the  small  arms  of  the  enemy.  Pushing  forward,  we  crossed  the 
field,  and  entered  the  thick  cedar  woods  in  which  the  enemy  had  taken 


426 

shelter.  In  the  edge  of  this  woods  we  came  up  with  three  or  four 
pieces  of  the  biittery  which  thoy  had  vainly  en  lenvored  to  withdraw. 
Thoy  are  believed  to  have  been  the  ^iins  posted  on  the  elevation  in  the 
field  above  mentioned,  and  from  Avhich  we  had  received  the  injury 
while  at  the  rock  wall  in  the  woods.  As  we  entered  the  woods,  the 
enemy  gave  us  a  most  galling  fire,  but  we  moved  steadily  forward, 
driving  them  farther  into  the  thick   woods  ;  and   now    we  passed   the 

'various  pieces  of  artillery  which  they  werq  trying  to  remove,  but 
which  on  our  approach  and  under  our  fire,  and  from  loss  of  horses, 
thickness  of  timber,  &c.,  they  were  forced  soon  to  abandon.  These  we 
left  in  our  rear,  and  pressed  upon  the  heavy  lines  of  their  infantry, 
under  whose  fire  we  were  exposed. 

"Some  two  hundred  Yar<l8  further  into  this  wood,  the  enerav  appeared 
in  great  force  rather  to  my  left.  They  here  poured  in  upon  uic  a  most 
effective  and  murderous  fire.  This  we  returned  with  all  the  vigor  and 
rapidity  possible,  gradually  moving   forward,  swirging   according  to 

.  orders,  a  little  from  left  to  right.  This  constant  and  severe  fire  contin- 
ued for  near  an  hour,  when  by  the  persistency  and  accuracy  of  our 
fire,  our  stead}'  and  resistless  advance,  the  obstanaey  of  the  enemy 
was  at  hist  overcome,  and  giving  away,  a  perfect  rout  ensued.  Their 
retreat  was  rapidly  followed  up  by  us  tlr-m;;-]!  i!,c  voods,  for  several 
hundred  yards,  and  through  an  old  {i'.'Id  through  which  a  ravine,  and 
also  the  Nashville  and  Chattanoofra  rsiilroad  run,  within  which  and 
behind  the  embankment  of  the  railroad,  the  enemy  took  refuge.  .  At 
these  points  thev  were  beyond  the  rcaeU  of  our  small  arms.  We  pur- 
sued no  further  than  the  edge  of  this  field.  But  before  reaching  their  safe 
retreat,  whilG  they  passed  through  the  woods  and  fields,  hundreds  of 
them  paid  the  penalty  with  their  lives,  of  their  rash  act  of  invasion 
and  wicked  occupation  of  an  unoffending  country.  The  marks  on  the 
arms  and  equipments  picked  up  on  the  field  from  which  we  drove  the 
enemy,  as  well  as  the  statements  of  pri.soneis  captured,  show  conclu- 
sively that  the  brigade  or  division  we  fought  was  leguhir  troops. 

By  your  direction  the  entire  brigade  halted  at  the  edge  of  the  field; 
for  at  the  time  there,  and  all  the  time  of  our  advance  through  the 
voods,  there  app(Hred  no  support  upon  our  left.  It  is  believed,  if«a 
battery  could  have  been  put  in  position  near  the  point  occupied  by  ray 
left,  the  enemy  could  have  been  gbellcdfrom  their  shelter  in  the  ravine 
and  behind  the  railroad,  and  the  diiy  might  thus  have  been  more  com- 
pletely ours.  Six  or  eight  thousand  men  seemed  to  be  striving  for 
the  mastery  in  confusion  in  this  field,  and  would  have  been  easily 
driven  into  the  woods  beyond;  but  a  battery  was  out  ©f  the  question, 
for  we  could  scarcely  get  through  parts  of  the  woods  through  which 
we  came.  "We  remained  in  positior\  here  until  near  night,  v/hen  ye 
retired  with  the  brigade  to  the  rear,  a  few  hundred  yards,  for  rest.  W4 
moved  back  to  the  front  each  succeeding  daj',  keeping  skirmishers  in 
front  near  the  edge  of  the  field  for  three  days,  but  no  casualties  or 
engagement  of  note  further  occurred  until  we  moved  with  the  brigade 
in  r(^treat  on  the  evacuation  on  Sunday  morning.  In  the  engagement, 
my.  men  captured  about  fifty  prisoners,  who  were  sent  to  the  rear;  we 
also  brought  from  the  field  about  three  hundred  guns  besides  our  own, 


427 

some  of  the  men  bringing  off  three.  The  lose  of  the  regiment  in  killed 
and  wounde:]  was  one  hundred  and  thirty-six,  as  will  appear  from  the 
accompanying  report  of  ray  adjutant. 

■  My  Major,  Rufus  A.  Jarmazin,  was  mortally  wounded  wHile  lead- 
ing the  left  wing  in  a  charge.  Captain  Frazicr,  company  D,  was  killed 
instantly  at  the  head  of  his  company.  Lieutenant  Abernathy  fell  at 
his  post.  No  braver  or  move  gallant  officers  than  these  '^have  given 
their  lives  to  their  country  ia  this  war.  I  hope,  sir,  tftat  the  conduct 
of  the  men  and  officers  of  this  regiment  in  the  engagement  at  Mur- 
freesboro",  and  th'e.  days  and  nights  of  duty  and  exposure  connected 
with  it,  has  been  satisfactory  to  you.  I  cau  complain  of  none  of  these 
myself,  but  might  compliment  many  of  them  in  terms  of  high  en- 
comium. I  might  with  propriety  mention  the  case  of  corporal  Mayson, 
of  the  color  guard,  who  when  the  color  sergeant  was  wounded  and  the 
colors  fell  from  his  Iwnd,  the  corporal  instantly  seized  it  in  exuiation, 
bearing  it  :is  a  beacon  to  the  regiment  through  the  storm  of  the  bat- 
tle; and  of  orderly  sergeant.  Joseph  Thompson,  who  upon  reaching 
the  edge  of  the  field  when  the  brigade  halted,  ran  forward  overtaking 
the  retreating  enemy,  seized  a  prisoner  and  started  back  with  him;  but 
this  person  being  shot  dov/n  in  his  hand,  he  relinquished  him  baclj 
to  the  lines  of  the  still  retreating  enemy,  and  seized  a  second  pris- 
oner, whom  he  brought  off  safely. 

Before  closing  this  report,  sir,  I  beg  leave  to  congratulats  you  upon 
the  successful  and  skillful  manner  in  which  your  brigade  was  manceu- 
vered  and  kept  together,  and  through  you  I  congratulate  our  division, 
corps,  and  other  corarnanders,  for  our  Bu:;cessful  operations  against 
vastly  superior  numbers.  I  hope,  sir,  that  yours  and  their  success 
may  n.^ver.bc  less  marked  or  less  safe  to  yourselves  in  all  future  en- 
gagements v.'ith  our  enemies. 

Very  respectfully,  yours,  &c., 

F.  M.  WALKER, 
Colonel  Ninieenth  Tennessee  Regiment, 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  TANSIL. 

On  Ouwost,  Murfreesboro'  and  Shelbvville  Pike,  ) 

March  15,  18G3.      } 

On  the  morftng  of  the  29th  December,  1862,  we  left  our  encamp- 
ment, near  Murfreesboro'.  and  crossed  Stone's  river,  where  we  formed 
line,  and  remained  until  the  31st,  when  we  moved  t6  the  front,  croas- 
ing  a  corn-field,  and  entering  .a  skirt  of  wood,  to  the  breastworks 
thrown  up  by  General  Withers'  troops,  and  remained  until  the  troops 
were  driven  back,  when  we  were  again  moved  to  the  front,  crossing-^ 
pike,  entering  a  small  field,  and  another  narrow  skirt  of  woods,  and 
another  small  field,  to  a  dense  cedar  grove,  when  we  were  halted,  and 
again  formed  line.  We  were  then  moved  again  to  the  front,  but  had 
advanced  but  a  short  distance  until  we  came  upon  the  battery  which 
had  been  playing  upon  us  all  the  time  after  leaving  the  breastworks  ; 
also  the  iniantry,  concealed  in  the  woods.  One  volley  from  our  well 
aimed  pieces  caused  them  to  abandon  two  pieces  of  artillery,  which 
they  were  trying  to  get  off,  and  threw  the  enemy  in  confusion,  who 
commenced  retreating  immediately.  The  artillery  was  passed  by  the 
right  of  the  thirty-first  and  left  of  the  thirty-third  regiments,  who 
pursued  the  enemy  hotly  through  the  woods,  (half  mile  in  width, 
capturing  about  twenty  prisoners,)  to  a  field,  wbere  the  enemy  were 
in  strong  position,  on  the  line  of  the  railroad,  but  were  doing  good 
execution,  as  the  enemy  were  retreating  across  the  field  in  great  con- 
fusion, when  some  one  came  up,  purporting  to  be  on  General 
Cheatham's  staff,  with  orders  to  fall  back,  by  right  of  companies  to  the 
rear,  which  caused  some  confusion,  as  it  was  given  publicly.  We  fell 
back  some  hundred  yards,  and  supplied  the  men  vath  ammunition, 
and  again  took  our  position  near  the  field,  where  we  remained  until 
the  night  of  the  3d  January.  Both  men  and  oiTicers  acted  gallantly. 
My  loss  has  been  reported. 

Respectfully  suboiitted, 

E:  E.  TANSIL, 
Colonel  Thirty-first  and  Thirty-third  Begets  Tenn.  Vols. 


'    REPORT  OF  COLONEL  STANTON. 

CAJir  Near  SnELByviLLE,  January  13,  1863. 

The  eighty-fourth  Tennessee  regiment  having  been  raised  last  fall, 
and  kept  at  McMinnville  till  a  few  days  before  the  battle  at  !\Iiirfrees- 
boro',  never  drew  arms   until  ]Monday  evening,  Dece\nber  29th,  two 
days  before  the  fight.     Tliis  regiment  not  having  been  drilled  in   the 
manual  of  arms,  loading,  «fcc.,  and  deeming  this  part  of  the  drill  as  most 
important  in   that   particular   crisis,  I  drilled   the  regimenf  all    ofaj 
Tuesday  oq  the  field,  under  the  enemy's  shells,  and  likewise  Wednes- 
day morning,  till  the  battle  opened  regularly,  when  we  were  ordered 
to   move  forward  with  General   Donelson's  brigade,  and   did   so,  and 
remained  with  his  brigade  until  the  af)resaid  charge  was  made.      We 
moved  off  to  the  left  of  Colonel  Savage's  regiment,  after  it  had  ad- 
vanced  to  the  point   formerly  occupied  by  our  fcont  line.     Prior  to 
that   time  my  regiment  had  been  formed  to  support  Captain  Carnes' 
battery,  but  was  moved  forward  to  the  above  named  point,  by  orders 
from  General  Polk.     When  the.  balance  of  General  Donelson's  moved, 
or  charged  the  enemy,  my  regiment  was  ordered   to  remain  at  the 
point  last  occupied  by  the  brigade,  and  to  guard  Captain  Carnes'  bat- 
tery.    This   battery  was  moved  ofi"  to  the  right,  and  the  Washington 
battery  was    located  immediately  on  our  left,  and  did  good   service, 
while  we  stayed  and  guarded  it  all  the  while,  until  the  troops  enfTaof- 
ing  the  enemy  in  our  front  were  drjven  back  to  our  rear;  and  while 
there,  reforming  their   lines,  orders  came  for  all  troops  at   that  point 
to  advance  upon  the  enemy's  batteries  to  the  right  of  the  brick  house, 
near   the  railroad  and  turnpike.     Having  my  men  already  formed,  I 
moved  them  off  some  fiye  hundred -yards   to  the  front,  and  halted  at 
the  bend  of   the  river,  behird  a  bunch  of  woods,  on  a  bluff,  on  the 
right  of  the   railroad.      Colonel   Savage  soon  rallied   his   regiment, 
whitih   necessarily  had   made   a  gallant  charge,  but   had   fallen   back 
with  much  loss,  and  after  having  reformed  his  lines,  he  and  the  twen- 
tieth  Tennessee  came   to  our  support,  and  formed  near  us.     We  all 
remained  there  waiting  for  orders,  and  for  another  support,  necessary 
to   have   charged   the   battery,   but   got  neither   support  nor  orders. 
Night  came  on,  and  all  was  still.     My  men  having  no  blankets,  I 
moved  them  back  to  a  point  where  we  could  make  fires  ;  and  on  the 
following  morning  went   forward   again  to  my  former  position,  near 
the   brick    house,  and  then  reported  to  General  Donelson  and  Polk. 
The  former  ordered  me  to  remain  there  during  the  day ;  however,  I 
was  ordered  to  take  the  regiment  and  go  to  the  brick  house  and  tear 
the  fencing  thereabouts.     We  did  this,  and  were  shelled  there  while 
at  work.     Only  got  two  men  wounded,  however.     Having  completed 
the  work,  I  marched  the  men  back  to  said  point,  near  the  woodland 
bluff.     I  was  ordered  to  the  rear,  under  arrest,  on  account  of  a  per- 
Bonal  difficulty  or  fight  with  a  staff  officer,  and,  therefore,  was  not  with 
the  regiment  any  more  till  their  arrival  at  Shelbyville.     It  is  due  my 


430 

regiment  that  I  should  state  that  they  showed  marked  coolness  and 
courago  all  the  while,  a3  they  were  under  heav}--  sholling  for  a  ^ood 
portion  of  three  days,  ai.d  showed  no  fear  or  excitement.  They  kept 
good  order,  and  never  scattered,  hut,  on  the  contrary,  some  forty  of 
wy  men  came  up  from  McMinnvillc  and  got  arms  and  accoutrements, 
and  came  to  us  in  the  hottest  time  of  the  fight,  while  we  were  under 
aeavy  shelling  in  the  open  field,  at  an  advanced  position.  None  of 
our  men  scattered  in  our  retreat.  The  two  wounded  were  sergeant 
<_reorge  Cook.*  company  B,  and  private  Thomas  Martin,  company  E, 
slightly  wounded. 

S.  S  STANTON, 
Colonel  Eighty -fourth  Tennessee  rcs^iv^ent. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  YOUNG. 

'      Headquarters  Ninth  Texas  Tnfantrt, 

January  6,  186j. 

Captain  M.  W.  Cluskv,  A.  A.  Gejieral,  , 

Fourth  Brigade,  'First  Division,  PoUts  Corps,  A.  T.  : 

Captain  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
operations  of  my  regiment,  while  separated  from  the  brigade,  in  tho 
action  of  the  31st  December,  18G2  : 

The  regiment  advanced,  in  its  right  position  with  the  brigade,  until 
the  brigade  entered  the  corn-field  in  front  of  the  original  line  of  bat- 
tle occupied  bj  it.  Here  the  regiment,  by  its  position,  w^as  immedi- 
ately on  the  left  of  the  field,  when  the  brigade  became  engaged. 

There  being  no  enemy  in  my  front,  I  moved  forward,  by  order  of 
Captain  Clusky,  to  the  top  of  the  next  hill,  where  the  enemy  appear- 
ed off  to  my  right  oblique  about  three  hundred  yards.  I  ordoi-ed  the 
regiment  to  fire,  upon  which  they  poured  two  volleys  into  the  enemy. 
But  perceiving  that  the  bi^gaae  had  obliqued  to  the  right,  and  know- 
ing that  my  fire  would  be  more  effective  by  a  nearer  approach  to  the 
enemy,  I  moved  by  the  right  flank  until  my  right  was  near  tho 
twenty-ninth  Tennessee;  I  then  moved  by  the  left  flank,  and  took 
position  behind  a  tall  fence,  and  opened  fire  upon  tho  enemy,  who  was 
posted  about  one  hundred  yards  immediately  in  my  front,  behind  a 
ledge  of  rocks  and  a  fence.  Here  General  Wood's  brigade,  which  was 
an  my  left  when  Captain  Clusky  ordered  me  forward,  came  up  on  my 
left  again,  and  opened  fire  ;  but  seeing  that  our  combined  attack  had 
but  little  effect  towards  dislodging  the  enemy,  I  ordered  m^  regiment 
to  cross  the  fence  for  the  purpose  of  charging  the  enemy's  position, 
■which  they  did,  but,  mistaking  my  intention,  advanced  fifty  paces  and 
again  halted  and  opened  fire.  Here,  while  endeavoring  to  get  them 
my  command  "  Forward,"  ray  horse  was  shot,  as  well  as  that  of  the 
Lieutenant  Colonel,  and  for  five  minutes  the  regiment  received  a  most 
murderous  fire,  which  killed  and  wounded  more  ihan  a  hundred  of  my 
men,  including  nearly  all  of  the  commissioned  officers.  Seeing  that 
we  were  suffering  from  a  cross  fire,  I  resolved  to  charg8  and  rout  the 
enemy  from  his  position.  Passing  down  the  line,  I  notified  each  com- 
pany of  my  command  of  my  intention,  a'nd  then  taking  the  colors  I 
ordered  the  regiment  to  move  forward  with  a  shout,  both  of  which 
they  did,  "  a  la  Texas."  It  was  at  this  juncture  that  Captain  Clusky, 
who  had  been  with  the«regiment  all  the  time  since  it  became  engaged, 
rode  off  to  the  balance  of  the  brigade.  Charging  with  a  yell  through 
the  cedar  brake  in  our  front,  the  enemy  fled  at  our  approach.  Hav- 
ing halted  at  the  position  formerly  occupied  by  the  enemy,  we  poured 
a  fire  into  them  as  they  tetreated  with  great  loss  through  the  open 
woods  which  make  up  into  the  field  in  which  is  situated  the  first  abo- 
lition hospital  we  passed  ;  but  seeing  they  were  getting  out  of  range, 
and  thinking  the  brigade  had  advanced  on  my  right,  I  crossed  the 


432 

second  fence  and  pursued  after  the  enemy,  who  vrerc  completely 
thrown  into  confusion  in  the-  immediate  front  of  my  regiment  and 
Wood's  brigade,  which  had  been  advancing  steadily  after  my  regiment 
on  the  left.  Here  I  discovered  an  extended  line  of  battle  moving 
across  the  open  field,  a  short  distance  in  advance,  on  my  right,  and 
thinking  it  was  my  own  brigade  ordered  my  men. not  to  fire  on  them; 
but  as 'they  advanced  up  the  slope  the  sun  revealdl  their  blue  coats, 
and  we  opened  on  them.  They,  as  well  as  thejine  (rather  mass)  in 
our.  front,  continued  to  retreat,  until  they  entered  a  wood  about  a 
(quarter  of  a  mile  beyond  the  hospital  above  named.  We  followed 
tliem,- advancing  as  far  as  the  upper  edge  of  the  woods  which  make 
up  into  the  field.  Here  some  half  dozen  batteries  opened  on  us  from 
almost  every  point  of  the  edge  of  the  woods  opposite,  and  seein.;?:  that 
the  troops  on  the  right  were  not  advancing,  we  fell  back  a  short  dis- 
tance after  Wood's  briga  ie,  and  reformed.  Here  I  despatched  a  mes- 
senger in  search  of  the  brigade,  but  he  failing  to  find  it,  I  advanced 
with  a  battalion  of  sharpshooters,  which  had  attached  itself  to  my 
regiment,  moving  to  the  right  oblique  across  the  open  field,  and  past 
The  abolition  hospital  above  named,  some  considerable  distance,  when 
a  staff  officer  notified  me  that  Cheatham's  division  was  advancing  in 
ray  rear,  and  that  Maney's  brigade,  from  whom  I  was  concealed  by 
the  buildings  of  the  hospital,  would  fire  on  rae  for  the  enemy's  sharp- 
shooters if  they  saw  me.  So  requesting  him  to  ride  back  and  notify 
that  brigade,  I  fell  back  and  formed  on  General  Maney's  left,  where 
our  o^"n  brigade  found  us  upon  advancing. 

I  cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms  of  the  conduct  of  my  officers  and 
men.  My  commissioned  officers  all  did  their  duty  bravely,  so  I  will 
not  specify  any  in  particular.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Dillard  was  con- 
spicuous for  the  zeal,  energy  and  braver}^  he  displayed  during  the 
whole  day.  j\Iy  loss  has  been  furnished  numerically  in  another  report. 
With  much  respect,  I  am,  Capkiin, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  II.  YOUNG, 
Colonel  commandirig  ninth  Texas  infantry. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  SAVAGE. 

Headquartkrs  Sixteenth  Tennessee  Regiment,  ) 

January  8,  1863.  ) 

Major  J.  G.  Martin,  A.  A.  G.  : 

The  following  report  of  the  conduct  of  the  sixteenth  Tennessee  re- 
giment, in  the  battle  before  Murfreesboro',  December  3 1st,  1803,  '"a 
respectfully  submitted : 

When  the  advance  was  ordered,  my  regiment  being  the  right  of 
Cheatham's  division,  I  was  directed  by  General  DoneUoa,  through 
his  aid,  Captain  Bradford,  to  move  along  the  railroad;  but  two  corap.v. 
nies  to  its  riorht  and  its  left  taking  the  "[uide  to  the  right.  The  ad- 
Vance  was  made  under  a  heavy  cannonade,  and  the  line  of  battle  anJ. 
direction  maintained,  although  serious  obstructions  impeded-  the 
inarch.  The  eight  left  companies  advanced  between  the  railroad  ani 
the  turnpike,  in  front  of  the  Cowan  house,  without  the  slightest  pro- 
tection, engaging  a  battery  and  the  enemy's  infantry  in  the  woods,  at 
a  distance  of  less  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards.  The  right  coin-^ 
panics  advanced  through  a  stalk  field  to  the  edge  of  a  cotton  patch, 
where  the  enemy  opened  a  heavy  fire  at  short  range,  from  a  line  ex 
tending  to  the  right  as  far  as  I  could  see.  This  killed  Captain  Spur 
lock,  who  fell  while  leading  his  men  in  the  most  gallant  manner.  At 
this  moment,  it  seemed  to  me  that  I  was  without  the  expected  sup- 
port on  my  left,  and  that  the  line  had  divided  and  gone  off  in  that  di- 
rection. My  men  shot  the  horses  and  gunners  of  the  battery  in  front, 
but  I  could  not  advance  without  beiEg  outflanked  by  ihe  enemy  oa 
my  right.  I  therefore  ordered  them  to  halt  and  fire.  In  a  few  mo- 
ments my  acting  Lieutenant  Colonel,  L.  N.  Savage,  fell  by  my  side, 
supposed  mortally  wounded,  and  my  acting  Major,  Captain  Womack, 
had  his  right  arm  badly  broken.  There  were  batteries  to  the  right  aui 
left  of  the  railroad,  which  literally  swept  the  ground.  The  men  main- 
tained the  fight  against  superior  numbers,  with  great  spiiit  .-^d  obsti- 
nacy. The  left  companies  being  very  nearly  without  any  protectioa, 
sustained  a  heav^  loss — thirty  men  were  left  dead  on  the  spot  where 
they  halted,  dressed  in  perfect  line  of  battle.  It  was  on  the  day  fol 
lowing,  a  sad  spectacle,  speaking  more  eloquently  for  the  discipline 
and  courage  of  the  men  than  any  words  I  can  employ.  Here  the 
thirty-ninth  North  Carolina  came  in  my  rear,  and  I  ordered  it  into 
line  of  battle  to  my  right,  but  before  it  got  into  position,  the  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  was  shot  down,  and  was  carried  from  the  field.  Un- 
der the  command  of  Captain ,  it  continued  under  my   control 

and  did  good  service,  until  driven   from  this  position,  after  which  I 
lost  sight  of  it. 

Seeing  a  heavy  force  of  the  enemy  crossing  the  field  to  my  right 
and  rear,  I  ordered  the  line  to  fall  back  to  the  river,  and  formed  two 
lines  to  the  front  and  right.  To  cover  this  space,  the  men  were  da- 
ployed  as  skirmishers.  I  also  ordered  forward  a  portion  of  Bly  the's  Mis- 
sissippi regiment,  that  had  collected  near  the  railroad,  and  was  joined 
28 


434 

by  Lieutenant  AVillianison  and  Mr.  Murray,  fifty-first  regiment,  with 
throe  coinpaiiies,  wlio  e«ntinuc<1  with  tne,  iiml  di'lgood  service.  This 
force  (hetked  jind  diove  back  the  enemy  advancing  up  the  river,  and 
ft  column  that  attempted  to  cut  off  my  whole  party,  advancing  along 
the  railroad,  but  not  without  loss.  Lieutenant  Anderson,  of  the  six- 
taenth,  a  valuable  officer,  Avhile  directing  tlie  skirmishers,  was  dan- 
gerously wounded,  and  carried  under  the  river  b^nk,  by  privates 
Thompson  and  Adccck,  all  of  whom  were  captured  by  the  enemy, 
upon  Lis  suhscquent  advance.  When  Adams'  brigade  advanced,  I. 
drew  back  my  little  force  to  let  it  move  tn  the  front,  w  hich  it  did  in 
gallant  style,  but  only  for  a  short  distance,  when  it  broke  and  fled  in 
confusion.  Most  of  the  men  I  had  be.-n  ccntrollinii  moved  with  it. 
I  collected  the  men  of  the  sixteenth  and  fifty- first  and  moved  to  the 
front,  en  echelon,  of  Chalmers'  position,  and  remained  *luring  the 
heavy  cannonade  on  the  enemy.  While  here,  two  of  my  men  were 
killed  by  a  shell.  I  afterwards  moved,  in  connection  with  Colonel 
8tanton,  near  the  burnt  gin-house,  and,  halting  the  re;:;iment,  went 
on  foot  to  my  first  line  of  battle.  About  dark,  I  sent  a'party  after 
the  body  of  Captain  Spurlock,  who  captured  a  Yankee  captain  from 
his  lines.  I  claim  for  my  command  great  gallantry  in  action  ;  that  it 
eng:3ged  and  heM  in  check  superior  forces  of  the  enemy,  who  was  at- 
tempting to  turn  our  right — forces  tliat  afterwards  drove  Adams'  and 
Preston's  brigades.  My  ilag-bearer,  sergeant  ^Llrberr3',  was  disabled 
early  in  the  charge.  The  flag  was  afterwards  borne  by  private  Wo- 
Kiack,  who  was  also  wounded.  The  flag  staff  was  I  rcken  and  hit  with 
balls  in  three  places — the  flag  literally  siiut  to  pieces  ;  the  fragments 
were  brought  to  me  at  night. 

I  carried  about  four  hundred  oflicers  and  men  into  action,  the 
killed  amounted  to  thirty-six  ;  the  killed,  wou;.ded  and  missing  to 
two  hundred  and  tight,  a  list  of  which  is  forwarded.  My  men  did 
not  strip  or  rob  the  dead.  The  conduct  of  my  recruits  was  most  hon- 
orable. Many  of  them  fell  in  the  front  ranks  beside  the  veteran  sol- 
<*iers  of  the  sixteenth.  It  is  ditlicult  to  make  distinction  where  all 
Hcted  weU.  V*'hile  others  deserve  nobly,  1  feel  that  I  ought  not  ta 
fail  to  notice  the  courage  and  good  con<Iuct  of  private  Hackit,  whom 
r  placed  in  command  of  the  company  after  the  fall  of  Captain  Spur- 
ijck. 

I  %m,  Major,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  IL   hAVAGE, 
Colonel  commanding  sixteenth  Ttnnesset. 


IlEP'vjIlT  OF  COLONEL  HARPER. 

IIeapquar  rrijs  First  Arkansas  Rifles,  Dismounted, 

January    10,  1SG3. 

Major  11.  S.  J3kadfcrd,  A.  A.  G.  McC  wit's  Divmon  : 

Brigadier  General  McNair  being  compelled  to  leave  the  field  ott 
account  of  severe  indisposition,  the  command  devolved  upon  me; 
and,  as  soon  as  our  caitridge  boxes  \v«  re  replenished,  I  moved  for- 
ward, in  conjunction '  with  Brigadier  Gt-neral  Ector,  comin.mding 
Texas  brigade.  I  was  ordered  to  swing  around  my  left,  making  the 
right  a  pivot,  which  changed  my  front  fiom  a  north  to  a  northeasterly 
direction.  This  chrngo  of  front  threw  tlio  left  of  the  division  nearer 
to  the  enemy's  line,  which  appeared  afterwMjds  to  run  east  and  west, 
and,  approathing  a  dense  thicket  of  ce<];irs.  I  ordered  skirmishers  to 
be  thrown  rapidly  forward,  to  prevent  anyt^iing  like  an  ambuscade  to 
our  already  jaded  troops.  Almost  simuliani'ously  that  my  skirmish- 
ers entered  the  thickot,  Ector's  brigade,  on  our  left,  became  warmly 
engaged,  and  1  received  a  message  from  him  by  Mnjor  Spencer^ 
urging  me  to  push  forward  as  rapidly  as  po-sible.  No  time  was  now 
to  be  lost,  as  the  enemy  had  evideiilly  made  this  their  last  stand- 
point, and  had  opened  upon  us  with  artillery  and  musketry.  Almost 
pimultaneously  with  General  Ector's  request,  I  received  an  order 
from  the  ^lajor  General  commanding  to  charge  the  batteries.  The 
order  was  immediately  repeated  to  the  command,  and,  liushed  with 
success  and  buoyant  with  linpe,  the}  rusht^d  forward  to  accomplish 
more  brilliant  j-i  suits  The  growth  through  which  the  right  was 
compelled  to  pa-s  rendered  it  impot-  iile  to  keep  an  unbroken  line, 
but  still  they  pushed  forwaid.  But  me  position  proved  too  stro-ag 
for  the  two  gallant  little  brigades,  the  enemy  having  some  five  batte- 
ries in  position,  stronglj'  supported  by  thre<^  long  lines  of  infintry  ; 
and,  after  one  of  the  most  brilliant  charts  that  history  records,  they 
were  overwhelmed  and  compelled  to  fall  I'ack — not,  however,  until 
they  had  succeeded  in  driving  a  large  portion  of  the  infantry;  from 
their  position,  and  compelllt.'g  the  gunners  of  at  least  otic  battery  \)0' 
retire.  I  should  have  mentioned,  hovrevcr.  when  the  firing  Lcoarae 
heaviest,  and  1  f.Mjnd  that  one  or  more  batteries  on  our  extreme  right 
was  etverely  enfilading  us.  that  I  sent  Captain  Stone,  of  General 
McNair's  staff,  and  urged  Major  General  Claiborne  or  Brigadier 
General  P- Ik  to  move  up  rapidly  on  our  tight,  so  as  to  cover  the 
enemy's  fiont  atid  lemove  the  galling  fire  from  our  flank  This 
inovcinent.  however,  was  not  made  in  tiikie  to  assist  us;  and,  after 
ten  or  twelve  ainutcs  of  the  severest  fighting  it  has  ever  been  my  lot 
to  witness,  wt«  were  conif.ellod  to  fall  I'ack,  with  very  heavy  loss. 
After  rallying  and  refornittig  the  brigade,  they  were  allowed  to  rest 
under  the  crt-st  of  a  hiil,  sotue  five  or  six  hundred  yards  from  the 
Bcene  of  the  late  fighting,  having  been  under  a  continuous  fire  for 
nearly  seven  hours,  ai.d  having  driven  the  enemy  with  impetuosity 
for  four  and  a  half  or  five  tuilcs.     The  loss,  which  had  been  heavy  in 


/ 


436 

the  three  previous  charges  of  the  morning,  ^ras  still  greater  at  this 
point,  onr  ranks  being  almost  decimated  before  our  troops  could  be 
forced  to  retire.  Here  fell  badly  wounded,  Major  L.  M.  Ramsaur, 
commanding  first  Arkansas  rilles,  \rhile  gallantly  leading  his  regi- 
ment to  the  desperate  charge.  Major  Franklin,  commanding  the 
thirtieth  Arkansas  volunteer.^;,  while  cheering  his  soldiers  to  new 
deeds  of  daring,  was  severely  wounded,  and  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy.  We  were  permitted  to  rest  here  for  three  quarters  of  an 
hour,  when  I  was  ordered  to  move  by  the  right  flank,  and  took  posi- 
tion, in  obedience  to  instruction,  in  a  cedar  broke,  where  the  brigade 
remained  in  line  of  battle,  without  any  noticeable  casualties,  until 
we  were  withdrawn.  I  cannot  close  without  paying  a  tribute  to  the 
field  officers  and  officers  of  the  line,  and  the  gallant  spirits  who  com- 
pose tlioir  commands.  Each  seemed  to  vie  with  the  other  in  deeds  of 
daring,  and,  where  all  exerted  themselves  so  strenuously,  it  is  im- 
possible to  discriminate.  The  color-bearers,  along  the  whole  line, 
more  than  once  elicited  my  admiration  by  the  steadiness  with  which 
the  "  bonnie  blue  flag  "  was  constantly  borne  in  the  front  line.  Cap- 
tain R.  E.  Foote,  assistant  adjutant  general  third  brigade,  has  placed 
me  under  many  obligations  for  the  promptitude-' with  which  he  deliv- 
ered all  orders,  regardless  of  danger ;  and  James  Stone,  volunteer 
aid  to  Brigadier  (xeneral  McNair,  who  was  ever  with  me,  several 
limes  bearing  his  orders  through  the  heaviest  of  the  fight,  is  entitled 
to  the  thanks  of  the  commander  and  his  country. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Major, 

Your  very  obedient  servant, 

R.  W.  HARPER, 
Colonel  commanding  Third  Brigade,  McVown's  Division. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  MAGIVNY. 


Headquarters  154th  Senior  Tenn.  Reoimknt,      ) 
Camp  near  Shelbyville,  February  26,  1863.  ) 

F,  B.  RoDGERS,  Aid'de-camp  : 

Sir  :  I  hereby  submit  a  report  of  the  part  which  my  command  took 
in  the  battles  of  Murfreesboro',  on  the  3 1st  and  30th  December,  1862, 
and  following.  On  the  aftefhoon  of  Tuesday,  31st,  I  was  detailed  by 
the  Major  General  commanding  to  support  Captain  Robinson's  com- 
pany of  artillery,  Jind  late  in  the  afternoon,  the  same  became  warmly 
engaged  with  the  enemy.  1  drew  up  my  command  in  the  rear  of  the 
battery,  extending  the  left  wing  of  the  battalion,  and  a  little  forward 
to  take  advantage  of  a  dip  in  the  ground.  The  enemy's  guns  opened 
on  our  battery,  and  also  their  skirmishers  were  deployed  forward,  when 
the  left  wing  of  my  command  became  warmly  engaged. 

At  this  time  the  ememy  came  out  of  the  woods  in  force,  evidently 
intent  on  charging  orr  battery,  as  our  gunners  were  in  a  great  mea- 
sure disabled  by  the  severe  fire  to  which  they  were  subjected;  when 
I  moved  forward  the  line  in  front  of  the  guns,  determined  to  meet 
them  with  a  counter  charge,  but  they  fell  back  under  cover,  "and  I 
occupied  my  former  position.  A  few  limbers  or  cassions  were  blown 
up,  when"  Captain  Robinson  limbered  to  the  rear.  I  opened  the  ranks 
to  allow  his  guns  to  pa^s  through,  and  then  retired. 

After  dark  the  command  was  moved,  by  order  of  Colonel  Vaughan, 
to  our  place  on  the  right  of  the  brigade,  and  early  on  Wednesday 
morning  we  were  brought  into  action.  The  command  was  not  again 
detached  from  the  brigade  during  the  action.  I  take  pride  in  bearing 
testimony  to  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  of  both  my  officers  aud 
men  during  the  battle.  Amongst  those  conspicuous  for  bravery  on 
the  field,  Major  John  W.  Dawson  merits  a  position,  as  also  Adjutant 
W.  H,  Stovall,  who  took  command  of  company  G,  after  Captain 
Hutchinson  was  carried  off  wounded,  and  commanded  the  company 
wiih  ability.  In  fact  it  is  impossible  -to  discriminate,  where  all  nobly 
performed  their  part.  The  regiment  went  into  action  two  hundred 
and  forty-five,  aggregngte  ;  and  our  loss  was,  killed  (14)  fourteen; 
wounded  (83)  eighty-three ;  missing  (3)  three.  Total,  one  hundred. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant. 

Commanding  154'/i  Senior  Tennefssee  Regiment. 
M.  MAGIVNY,  Jr.,  Lieut.  Colonel, 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  ANDERSON. 

Headquarters  Eighth  Tennkssee  REcrMENT,  ) 
Camp  Tifnr  S/i(lbyvil/e.  Jjin.  13.  1B63.       ^ 

General  :  Below  you  will  please  find  a  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the 
eighth  regiment  in  the  late  action  before  Murfreesboro'' :  On  the  inornin.s^ 
of  the  27tl»  December,  tVe  regiment  wjis  onlered  into  line  of  battle.  We 
were  plnced  in  line  of  battle  in  an  ohl  field,  on  the  west  side  of  Stone 
river,  my  left  resting  on  the  left  side  of  the  Wilkinson  turnpike  road, 
in  which  position  we  remained,  subjected,  during  the  time,  to  heavy 
cannonade  of  shells,  which  did  but  little  or  no  harm,  until  Wednes- 
day morning,  the  31st,  at  which  time  I  received-orders  to  hold  my 
regiment  in  readiness  to  move  forward  at  a  moment's  notice,  to  sup- 
po)  t  Brigadier  Genernl  Chalmers'  brigade,  which  was  in  our  front.  At 
about  ten  o'clock,  cur  brigade  was  ordered  forward,  the  eighth  moved 
off  promptly  sit  the  command,  under  a  very  heavy  cannonade  of  shot 
and  shell.  When  we  had  arrived  at  the  position  formeily  occupied  by 
General  Chalmers'  brig;ule,  we  were  ordered  to  halt  and  lie  down 
behind  the  little  fortificati  in  constructed  by  his  brig  ule,  of  logs  and 
rails.  AVe  rerrained  in  this  position  about  twenty  minutes,  under  a 
perfect  storm  of  shot  and  shell,  causing  cousi'lerable  mortality  in  ilj 
regiment.  In  this  position  we  lo.-5t  fiftt-en  or  twenty  men  killed  and 
woundeil.  It  soon  bec-ime  apparent  to  every  one  that  Chalmers'  brig- 
ade was  giving  way  ;  f .  r  it  was  with  gr.'at  liifiiculty  that  I  could  keep 
his  men  from  :unr;ing  over  my  men.  They  came  running  back  in 
squads  and  companies  ;  an<l  I  am  satisfied  that  before  1  left  this  posi- 
tion that  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  regiment  that  liad  lormerly  occu- 
pie*l  the  position  we  were  in,  had  returned.  We  were  then  ordered 
forward  to  the  charge,  whicli  was  responded  to  by  the  regiment  with 
a  yell,  the  gallait  Colonel  Moore  leading  thein,  lie  moved  forward 
at  a  double(j[uick,  undi  r  a  perfect  hail  of  shot  and  shell  and  grape. 
When  we  arrived  at  the  burnt  brick  house  the  regiment  was  thrown 
into  some  confusion  by  the  house,  some  picket  fence,  (there  being 
several  iences,)  and  a  portion  of  Chalmers'  men,  that  were  in  the  way, 
causing  some  four  companies  on  the  right  of  the  regimenc  to  pass 
around  and  through  the  best  way  they  could.  At  this  juncture  the 
enemy  in  our  front  opened  a  tenible  fire  upon  us  with  small  arms,  at 
A  distance  of  seventy-five  or  one  hundred  yards.  Such  a  fire  I  do 
not  suppose  men  weie  ever  subjected  to.  At  this  point  the  colonel's 
horse  lell,  an^i  I  supposed  that  he  himself  was  either  killed  or  wounded. 
Seeing  the  cundition  in  which  the  regiment  was  place<l,  with  a  pow- 
erful eneny  in  our  front,  and  on  the  right  and  left;  for  at  this  time 
■we  were  then  in  front  of  the  balance  of  the  brigade,  and  the  enemy 
■were  cross  firing  me  right  and  left;  and  seeing  so  many  of  my  men 
falling  around  me,  1  ordered  them  fouvard  at  a  double  quick,  with 
fixed  bayonets.  The  gallant  eiglith  rc.-ponded  with  a  shout,  and  leaped 
forward  like  men  bent  on  conquering  on  dying  in  ihe  attempt.  When 
Vfe  had  advanced  fifty  or  sixty  yards,  and  were  just  entering  the  woods 


439 


in  our  front,  the  colonel  came  up  with  sworil  in  hand.  ITo  was  not* 
killed  or  wounded,  as  I  expected  ;  it  wa^  only  his  horse  IIo  li;id  just 
reached  the  regiment  again,  ami  was  urging  them  forward,  wheu  h* 
fell  dead,  shot  through  the  heart  with  a  Minnie  b  dl.  The  enemy  in 
our  front  contested  stuhbfirnly.  and  those  on  our  right  and  left  con 
tinued  to  pour  a  dadlyfire  into  us.  The  enemy's  first  line  give 
Avay  before  my  men  ;  their  second  was  brought  forward,  but  could 
not  stand  the  impetuosity  of  our  ch;irge,  and  thi.-y  gave  wo}'.  At  thi-< 
point  it  was  reported  to  rae  that  the  enemy  wns  trying  to  get  away 
some  artillery  on  my  left.  I  immediately  changed  direction  to  thfl 
left,  and  charged  them,  and  cnptureil  their  guns — three  at  one  f>l.)C<':. 
and  went  fifty  yards  below,  where  we  capture"!  one  more,  by  sho:>rinv; 
down  their  horses,  and  stopped  the  piece.  1  also  cap'.aretl  a'  tlii  •  point 
about  four  hundred  prisoners,  belonging  to  the  artillery  and  infantry, 
and  we  killed  Colonel  Roberts,  who  was  commanding  the  brigade,  as 
was  stated  to  rae  by  the  prisoners. 

Through  the  gallant  charge  I  lost  many  grlbtnt  officerj  and  m'^n 
killed  and  wounded — the  enemy  being  in  the  woods  in  my  fro-  t  ansl 
was  pouring  a  galling  fire  into  us  I  o»-dercd  the  men  forw^rl  Hgat.i 
at  a  double  quick.  They  responded  with  a  shout  and  moved  forwarl 
upon  the  entuny.  At  this- point  I  was  joined  by  the  colors  and  about 
one  hutnlrod  men  of  the  fifty-first  Tennessee  regiment,  who  came  \n 
on  my  loft.  I  onlored  the;:i  forwird  with  my  men,  which  order  they 
obeyed  promptly',  and  chargrd  the  enemy  in  his  position  in  the  woods 
under  a  perfect  storm  of  bullets,  ami  diove  them  before  \i<.  About 
this  time  I  was  j  uned  by  Colonel  Chester  in  person.  We  then  con- 
tinued driving  the  enemy  before  us,  when  it  was  reported  to  m-  they 
were  tr-ying  to  ttvnk  me  on  my  right.  I  then  ©hanged  directionio  thj 
right  and  moved  forward  upoa  him,  and  struck  his  fi  ink  anil  rear. in  whicS 
position  1  hake  1  and  give  him  a  deadly  fire,  beiig  too  weak  r,o  eloso' 
in  behind  him.  At  this  time  I  heard  a  heav^'  fire  to  the  right  in  front 
of  the  enemj,  whose  llvnk  I  was  upon.  I  sent  an  o'ficer  forward  to 
see  what  it  was,  and  if  it  was  our  force,  Avhich  I  felt  confident  it  wa^i, 
to  inform  the  commander  of  my  position,  that  he  might  not  fire  intj 
me.  and  also  to  tell  the  comm:inder  to  charge  them  at  a  doub'e-quick 
and  drive  them  by  me,  that  I  might  shoot  them  liown,  which  he  did 
in  galiint  style.  When  he  came  up  it  proved  to  b;  the  nineteentf) 
Tennessee  regiment.  I  then  formed  on  his  left  and  moved  forw.rrJ 
to  the  point,  driving  the  enemy  before  us.  It  was  then  reported  tom^ 
that  the  enemy  were  flanking  \n<)  on  my  left.  I  immediately  change-i 
direction  to  the  left  and  moved  upon  him.  when  he  gave  way  at.d  fled 
through  th'j  old  field  in  front  of  t'.iC  wools  occupied  by  us,  wiien  v/^! 
left  the  other  night,  when  we  chargvl  liim  to  the  old  field,  througfi 
which  he  fled.  Wo  htlteil  in  the  edg?  of  the  wools  an  I  give  him  k 
deadly  fire  as  he  ran  through  the  old  rieM.  The  effect  of  that  fire  wa:j 
app;irent  to  every  one  who  visited  that  place,  for  the  edge  of  the 
wooils,  and  in  the  field  for  two  or  three  bundrjd  yaid^,  was  strewn 
with  his  dead  and  woun<ied.  When  we  were  unmasked  by  his  force, 
the  enemy,  from  his  batteries  on  the  hill  in  our  front,  opened  upon  us 
a  perfect  hail  of  grape   and   canister,  when  I    ordered  the  men  buck 


440 

iutn  the  woods.  I  then  fell  hack  to  the  old  house  in  the  rear  of  the 
vooils,  to  gather  together  the  rercaiinier  of  the  regiment  that  had 
p'.tuewhat  scattered  in  the  charge  through  the  dense  woods,  and  to  get 
ft  '-upply  of  ammunition.  I  remained  there  some  time  and  gathered 
»'l  of  the  men  ths'.t  I  could  get  up,  in  company  with  Colonels  Carter 
Hiid  Chester,  when  we  formed  line  (in  the  right  of  General  Stewart's 
brigade.  The  firing  in  our  front  being  very  heavy,  we  were  ordered 
forward,  which  order  we  obeyed  promptly,  and  moved  to  the  front  of 
the  woods,  in  front  of  the  enemy  in  the  old  field.  In  this  position 
ve  remained,  under  a  very  heavy  fire  of  artillery,  until  night  closed 
il'.is  b!o  'dy  and  eventful  day. 

Cerhaps  it  is  necessary  that  1  should  be  more  explicit  in  ray  expla- 
I) :;lion  of  ray  manoeuvring  in  the  woods.  The  reason  I  had  to  change 
d'.rections  so  often  was,  that  I  was  not  supported  either  on  the  right 
(}-•  left.  Our  regiment  drove  the  enemy  in  our-  front  before  this. 
O^ns^-queatly  this  force  on  the  right  and  left  remained  in  their  posi- 
tron, and  when  I  had  got  in  their  rear  it  seemed  as  if  they  were  llank- 
ii.g  me,  but  when  I  changed  direction  to  the  right,  as  you  will  see 
i'j  the  foregoing  report,  I  struck  his  flank  and  rear,  and  at  that  time 
tl:e  nineteentii  Tennessee  came  to  my  support  on  the  right.  Again, 
when  I  changed  direction  to  the  left,  I  then  discovered  that  support 
had  ai  rived  on  my  left  and  was  driving  the  enemy  on  my  left.  It 
ras  then  that  I  struck  the  enemy's  Hank  on  my  left  when  he  was  en- 
tering the  old  tield.  3'his  force  on  my  left,  I  did  not  ascertain  who  it 
Vvas,  but  supposed  it  10  bo  tlie  thirty-eighth  Tennessee. 

It  is  generally  the  case  in  battles,  that  every  regiment  that 
{•losses  a  battery  claims  to  have  taken  it.  In  this  case  there  can 
l)c  no  doubt,  as  wo  shot  down  the  horses  attached  to  the  guns  and 
captured  the  men  belonging  to  the  guns.  It  is  also  claimed  by  my 
•  iTii-n  that  there  were  two  pieces  in  addition  to  the  four  that  I  have 
pieviously  named,  Captured  by  the  right  of  the  regiment  someseven- 
tj.'-iive  yards  to  the  right,  ii;aking,  in  all,  six  pieces.  These  two 
ftd'litional  pieces  I  did  not  tee  at  the  time,  as  I  was  near  the  left  of 
the  regiment,  as  it  was  the  only  force  in  the  woods,  and  those  guuB 
frr>m  their  position  covered  by  my  regiment. 

I  cannot  close  this  report  without  saying  a  few  words  in  regard  to 
tne  gallant  Colonel  W.  L.  Moore,  though  he  fell  early  in  that  bloody 
charge.  A  more  gallant  and  noble  spirit  never  lived  or  died  for 
Jiis  country.  Loved  and  honored  by  his  regiment,  he  fell  gallantly 
battling  for  his  country,  and  his  native  soil  drank  his  blood..  It 
would  afford  me  great  pleasure,  and  be  but  sheer  justice,  to  speak  at 
length  of  the  many  noble  spirits  among  the  officers  and  men  of  my 
regiment  who  gave  their  lives  a  sacrifice  to  their  country  and  native 
State,  on  that  memorable  day,  but  the  casualties  of  the  regiment 
epeak  more  f<^ir  those  noble  spiiits  than  I  could  write  in  a  volume. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  II.  ANDERSON, 
Lieut.  Cvlvnel  commanding  eighth  Tennessee. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  JOHNSON. 

Headquarters  TwEKTT-NiNTii  Tlnn.  Regimknt,) 
February  29,  1S63.  ] 

Captain  M.  W.  Clusky,  A.  A.  General  : 

I  have  tlio  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken 
by  the  twenty-ninth  Tennessee  regiment,  in  tiie  recent  battle  near 
Murfreesboro'. 

On  Tuesday  evening  we  were  posted  in  line  of  battle  about  sixty 
yards  in  rear  and  to  the  right  of  Robinson's  battery,  which  wa^^  soon 
after  engaged  in  a  furious  cannonade  with  one  of  the  enemy's  batteries. 
We  were  exposed  to  the  fire  of  the  enemy  during  all  the  time,  by 
which  we  lost  several  men  killed  Jind  wounded,  including  two  Lieu- 
tenants of  company  I,  wounded. 

Early  Wednesday  morning,  orders  were  received  to  advance  and 
attack  the  enemy,  strongly  posted  at  the  extremity  of  a  large  field 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  our  position  ;  and  charging  through 
this  field,  exposed  to  a  brisk  fire  of  hhot  and  ahell,  the  enemy  were 
driven  back  from  their  position  in  disorder,  but  we  not  being  sup- 
ported on  the  flank  when  the  enemy  came  up  with  fresh  troops,  ex- 
posed to  an  enfilading  fire  on  the  left,  the  regimeut  and  brigade  were 
ordered  to  fall  back  to  their  original  position,  which  they  did  in  ex- 
cellent order,  having  suffered  the  larger  part  of  our  casualties  duiing 
the  day  at  this  place. 

Having  rested  for  ten  minutes,  and  received  ammunition,  an  ad- 
vance was  ordered  across  ttio  same  field  a  little  to  the  left,  the  enemy 
having  been  driven  back.  They  were  again  encountered  in  about  a 
mile  of  the  first  position,  and  after  a  short  fight,  fell  back  to  a  thicket 
cf  cedars  and  river  bluff,  affording  protection  to  the  enemy's  line;  and 
here  the  firing  was  so  heavy  that  after  a  short  while,  seeing  that  they 
were  too  strong  for  our  greatly  reduced  brigade,  orders  were  given 
to  fall  back  to  the  road,  one  half  n  mile  back,  where  we  encamped 
for  the  night. 

The  conduct  of  officers  and  men  in  this  regiment  was  admirable 
and  commendable. 

The  casualties  of  the   regiment   were  as   follows  : 

Went  into  the  fight  with  effective  force  of  two  hundred  and  twenty 
men;  killed  and  wounded  one  hundred  and  two;  missing  ten;  total  one 
hundred  and  twelve  killed,  wounded,  and  missing. 

I  noticed  that  a  great  many  guns,  chiefly  Enfield  rifles,  after  a 
short  time,  became  enfoul,  so  that  the  balls  had  to  be  hammered  down, 
thereby  causing  slow  fire. 

During  the  three  days  subsequent  to  the  Wednesday  fight,  our 
position  was  shifted  several  timcsip  the  lines,  and  though  exposed 
to  an  almost  continued  fire  of  artillery,  no  casualties  ensued. 


442. 

We  were  on  the  extren-.e   left  of  the  line   r{  battle — in   the  front 
line  durint^  the  last  day. 

Respectfully, 

J.  B.  JOHNSON, 
Major  comnmnding  Tw.nty -Ninth  Tenmsstc  Jlec;iment. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  SHANNON. 

11 

Headquarter ji  Twentv-Foi  rth  Tenn.  Reg't  Vol  ,  ^ 
Shtlbyville,  January  Id,  1 863.  S 

The  following  is  a  report  of  the  battle  at  Murfreesboro',  Tennessee, 
in  which  the  twenty-fourth  Tennessoe  regiment  was  engaged,  com- 
mencing on  the  29th  day  cf  December,  and  ending  on  the  4th  of 
January.  IbCJ  : 

Wc  left  camp  on  the  morning  of  the  29th  December,  1862,  crossevi 
Stone's  river,  Hnd  formed  line  of  battle  on  the  north  side  of  said  river, 
and  there  remained  under  frequent  shelling,  until  the  .':  1st  December, 
18{i2,  when  we  were  ordered  to  advance,  which  we  did  through  a  corn- 
field, thence  through  a  skirt  (f  woods,  and  across  the  Wilkinson  pike, 
advancing  on  through  a  stubble  field,  thence  into  a  cedar  glade,  where 
we  engaged  the  enemy,  and  drove  him  through  the  woods  before  us. 
Here  we  sustained  a  lost  of  nine  killed,  three  of  whom  were  commis- 
sioned ofiicers — one  captain  and  two  lieutenants,  also  seventy  wounded, 
four  of  whom  wete  commissioned  officers,  our  colonel  commanding, 
lieutenant  colonel,  and  adjutant,  and  one  lieutenant ;  our  colonel  and 
adjutant  mortally  wounded. 

On  arriving  at  the  edge  of  an  old  field  in  our  front,  we  were  ordered 
back  by  some  one  representing  himself  as  aid  de-carap  to  Major  Gen- 
eral Cheatham,  which  order  was  obeyed  by  falling  back  to  the  top  of 
the  hill,  where  avc  reformed,  advanced,  and  took  our  former  position 
at  the  edge  of  an  old  field,  where  we  remained  in  line  of  battle  under 
occasional  heavy  shelling,  which  position  we  held  until  ordered  oflf  in 
the  niglit  of  the  -Ith  January,  '863,  duiing  which  time  we  lost  one 
man  killed  and  several  wounded,  resulting  from  the  occasional  shelling 
and  skirmishing  along  our  line.  The  officers  and  men  acted  gallantly, 
e.xc.pt  a  few  who  straggled  from  ranks  duiing  the  engagment. 

The  regiment  left  the  field  in  good  order  when  the  retreat  was 
ordered. 

S.  E.  SHANNON, 
Major  commanding  Twenty-Fourth  7'e?ni.  Regiment. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  DARDEN 

IIeauquartkrs  Jefferson  Artillekf,  > 
Tullahoma,  Jau.  23,  1863.       ] 

Captain  R.  B.  Snowden  : 

Dear  Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  arms, 
ammunition,  and  equipments,  captured  at  battle  of  Murfreesboro\ 
Tennessee.  First,  I  removed  seven  pieces  of  artillery  from  the  field 
to  Murfreesboro',  calibre  not  known.  Second,  I  captured  about  three 
hundred  rounds  of  fixed  ammunition  for  twelve  howitzers,  about  one 
hundred  rounds  of  which  I  used  in  the  fight.  Third,  I  captured  about 
five  hundred  friction  primers,  a  portion  of  which  I  used  in  the  fight. 
Fourth,  the  gunners  captured  gouges,  rammers,  priming  wires,  &c.. 
the  exact  number  of  which  I  cannot  state,  as  some  were  lost.  Fifth. 
1  captured  eight  battery  horses,  and  some  few  pieces  of  harness.  The 
pole  was  shot  out  of  one  of  my  howitzers ;  I  sent  it  to  Murfreesboro', 
and  replaced  it  with  a  piece  we  captured  from  a  Michigan  battery.  I 
lost  nine  horses  killed  and  disabled. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

PUT.  DARDEN, 
»  Captain  covimanding  Baftery. 


I 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  LANIER. 

Headquarters  Thirteenth  Tennessee  Regiment,  ) 
Shelhyvilk,  January  9,  1863.      \ 
Colonel  A.  J.  Vaughan,  Jr.,  * 

ComrrCdg  4th  brig.,  1st  division ^  Polkas  corps ,  army  of  Tennessee: 

On  the  morning  of  the  3l3t  December,  1862,  about  six  and  a  half 
o'clock,  Lieutenant  Col.  Wra.  E.  Morgan,  commanding  thirteenth  Ten- 
ne.ssee  regiment  volunteers,  had  the  regiment  formed  to  the  right  of 
the  Triune  road,  upon  which  road  the  left  of  the  brigade  rested.  We 
remained  in  line  but  a  short  while,  when  we  were  ordered  forward  to 
the  support  of  Brigadier  General  Gardner's  brigade,  which  was  then 
engaging  the  enemy  in  a  wood  on  the  far  side  of  a  corn  field,  imme- 
diately in  our  front.  We  marched  boldly  forward  until  within  a  hun- 
dred yards  of  the  woods,  when  we  were  ordered  to  halt  and  lie  down, 
as  we  had  come  under  the  fire  of  the  enemy.  We  remained  in  thi:s 
position  but  a  few  minutes,  when  the  line  in  our  front  came  retreating 
back,  and  we  were  ordered  to  rise  and  move  forward,  which  the  men 
did  with  a  yell.  Here  we  x\'ere  under  a  galling  fire,  and  I  regret  to 
state  that  Lieutenant  Colonel  William  E.  Morgan  and  Major  P.  H. 
Cole  were  mortally  wounded,  and  many  of  our  men  were  killed  or 
wounded,  before  we  entered  the  woods  ;  but  our  gallant  men  did  not 
falter,  but  rushed  forward  with  a  shout  and  entered  the  woods,  driv- 
ing the  enemy  before  them,  and  forcing  him  to  leave  a  steel  piece  of 
artillery,  which  he  had  used  with  terrible  effect  upon  us.  We  con- 
tinued advancing,  until  ordered  by  Colonel  Vaughau,  commanding 
brigade,  to  retire,  caused  by  a  terrible  cross  fire  from  the  right.  We 
fell  back  beyond  the  field,  and  quickly  reformed  the  regiment,  and 
moved  by  the  left  flank  up  the  Triune  road,  whep  we  were  supplied 
with  ammunition,  and  moved  by  the  right  flank  in  line  of  battle  to 
the  left  of  r>rigadier  General  Maury's,  in  an  open  field,  where  we 
were  ordered  to  halt  and  lie  down,  to  protect  us  from  the  terrible 
shelling  from  the  enemy's  battery  on  our  right.  From  this  position 
'we  moved  forward  across  the  Wilkinson  pike,  and  rested  a  short  time, 
and  as  we  moved  from  here,  we  changed  front  forward,  on  first  com- 
pany first  battalion,  and  marched  across  an  open  field  into  a  cedar 
thicket,  to  the  left  of  Brigadier  General  Polk,  and  engaged  the  enemy 
and  drove  them  across  a  field,  and  our  men  followed  them,  although 
raked  by  artillery  from  the  front  and  right,  and  a  terrible  fire  of  mus- 
ketry near  the  Nashville  pike.  We  drove  them  from  two  pieces  of 
artillery  immediately  in  our  front,  with  the  assistance  of  the 
rest  of  the  brigade.  We  fell  back  from  here  to  the  Wilkinson  pike, 
and  bivouacked  for  the  night.. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1st  January,  1863,  we  moved  a  short  dis- 
tance to  the  right  down  the  Wilkinson  pike,  in  rear  of  the  divison 
massed,  when  1  turned  the  command  over  to  Colonel  Vaughan,  Jr. 
Without  casting  any  reflections;  where  all  did  their  part  nobly,  X 
would  here  mention  private  Ike  W.  Stone,  company  I,  who  was  se- 


416 

verelj  wounded  early  in  the  engagement,  but  binding  up  his  wound*, 
he  took  ch-jrge  of  h?9  company,  the  Captain  (Crook)  being  woiinde  I, 
He  re'.'cived  a  second  wound,  but  still  fought  bravely  on.  Adjutmt 
Harwell  Cilled  tor  some  person  to  take  the  colors,  whon  private  Leon 
Joubbert,  company  O,  volunteered,  and  carried  them  through  the  re- 
xnainder  of  the  fight,  always  in  front  of  the  line,  and  am  ng  the  last 
to  reti'-e.      I  herewith  submit  the  list  of  killed,  wounded,  and  missing. 

Respectfully, 

11.  F.  LAN  I  Eli, 
Sc'^ior  Captain^  comm-aivlin?:  brigade. 


1 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  SCOTT. 

Is  Camp  near  Shelbyville,  January,  9,  1S63. 

Brigadier  General  Preston  Smitfi, 

Commandi'ng  Atli  brigade,  Cheatham s  div'sioriy  Polk's  corps  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  official  report  of  the 
part  uiy  battery  took  in  the  lute  engagement  beiore  Murfrecsboro'  : 

My  battery  uas  not  engaged  until  Friday  morning,  being  held  in 
reserve  on  "Wednesday,  and  there  being  no  engagement  ^vith  the  ene- 
my on  Tliursday. 

Early  Fiiday  morning,  I  was  phiced  in  position  on  the  right  of  the 
Nashville  uunpike,  in  an  open  iield,  nearly  opposite  the  hirg(;  burnt 
house,  but  somewhat  farther  to  the  frotit.  This  field  lies  between  the 
railroad  jiud  the  turnpike,  at  the  extremity  of  which,  about  four 
hunilfcd  yaids  distant,  on  a  slight  ridge,  is  a  skirt  of  woods,  at  that 
time  oi'cupii'd  by  our  skiruiishera.  Robinson's  battory  was  in  posi- 
tion iuiivediatt'ly  in  front  of  the  burnt  house  on  my  left,  b'oon  after 
I  took  position  here,  the  enemy  advanced  in  line  of  battle  Robin- 
8on't<  battery  first  engaged  them,  and  I  immediately  thereafter  opened 
fire  upon  tliem,  and  in  a  short  time  we  succeeded  in  driving  thera 
back  to  their  original  position.  Two  baiterics  of  the  enemy  to  my 
front,  and  one  to  my  left,  poured  a  heavy  fire  upon  me,  getting  ray 
range  with  great  accuracy.  1  responded  to  their  fire,  and  in  this  en- 
gagement lost  one  man  instantly  kUled.  sergeant  A.  L.  Townscnd,  a 
brave  soldier  nnd  a  good  ollicer.  1  could  not  see  the  eifect  of  my  shot 
upon  the  enemy's  batteries,  as  they  were  concealed  from  view  by  the 
field  inrued'  lely  in  fiont  of  me,  but  have  since  learried  from  our 
gkirmiij'  crs  :ii  the  cedar  glade  on  my  left,  that  I  drove  one  battery 
from  its  i  osition,  disabling  one  piece  which  had  to  be  left  on  the  field. 
As  the  oiher  batteries  of  the  enemy  were  beyond  my  range,  I  was 
ordered  (o  discontinue  firing,  which  I  did.  Later  in  the  day,  the  en- 
emy's sl;irinisber8  drove  ours  from  the  woods  on  the  hill,  when  I 
shelled  thc-m  out  of  this  position,  and  it  was  occupied  by  our  skir- 
mishers. 

About  four  o'clock  in  the  evening,  I  was  ordered  to  open  fire  upon  tho 
eneicy's  lines  from  ray  position,  (which  was  entirely  beyond  my  range,) 
and  after  firing  a  few  rounds,  to  discontinue  the  firing,  which  Idid.  This 
caused  the  enemy  to  open  fire  upon  me  again  with  their  batteries,  in 
which  I  lost  one  man,  (wounded  in  the  head  by  the  fiagment  of  a 
«hell,)  Washington  McRac.  I  was  then  ordered  to  bring  my  battery 
behintl  the  entrenchments. 

Friday  night,  the  enemy  having  again  driven  our  skirmishers  from 
the  woods  before  mentioned,  I  was  ordered,  duiing  the  night,  to  take 
position  at  the  same  place,  and  shell  them  out  at  daylight,  which  I  did. 
In  taking  poi>ition  here,  1  lost  one  man,  Pat.  Jordan,  wounded  by 
cannon  wheel  breaking  his  leg.  I  shelled  the  enemy  out  of  the  woods 
and  it  was  occupied  by  our  skirmishers,  vrho  took  several  prisoners  in 


448 


tbis  ekirt  of  weeds,  I  was  under  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries  at  long 
range  late  in  the  evening.  Being  bejond  my  rrtnge,  I  withdrew  my 
battery  from  its  position,  and  ascertained  orders  had  been  already  sent 
for  me  to  retire,  which  I  had  not  received. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

W.  L.  SCOTT. 
Captain  commavding  light  battery. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  STANFORD. 

Cam^  iXEAR  Shelhyville,   Tennessek,  } 
January   12,    18G3.       \ 

Brigadier  General  A.  P.  Stewart, 

Covxmanding  Second  Brigade,  First  Dii'ision, 

PoUc^s  Corps,   Army  of  Tennessee : 

On  Monday  morning,  December  20th,  1863,  the  battery  moved 
from  the  camp,  one  mile  -west  of  Murfreesboro',  to  its  position  with 
the  brigade,  in  line  of  battle  on  the  west  side  of  Stone  river,  in  rear 
of  Mrs.  James'  hou?e.  Here  we  remained  all  day,  nothing  of  interest 
occurring,  and  the  monotony  only  disturbed  by  an  occasional  shot 
from  the  rifle  batteries  of  the  enemy  passing  over  us. 

On  Tuesday  morning  heavy  skirmishing  commenced  on  our  left, 
and  was  kept  up,  with  but  little  intermission,  during  the  day,  and. 
though  we  did  not  participate  in  the  fight  till  the  evening,  the  battery 
was  more  exposed  to  random  shots  than  on  the  previous  day.  About 
three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  an  order  Avas  received  to  send  two  of 
my  pieces  to  the  left,  to  assist  in  dislodging  the  eneraj'from  a  certain 
point.  Accordingly,  I  despatched  Lieuteuant  Hardin,  with  the  first 
section,  who  promptly  went  forward  to  perform  the  duty.  After  an 
absence  of  about  an  hour  the  section  returned,  but  without  its  leader. 
Lieutenant  Hardin,  after  having  performed  the  object  of  his  mission 
and  withdrawn  the  section,  with  the  view  of  rejoining  us.  was  sud- 
denly killed  by  a  cannon  shot.  A  gallant  officer,  a  true  soldier,  and 
a  christian  gentleman,  he  add?  another  to  the  long  list  of  martyrs 
who  have  given  their  lives  to  their  country's  cause.  Private  M. 
Hartsfield  received  a  painful,  but  not  dangerous,  flesh  wound  in  this 
engagement. 

On  Wednesday  morning,  about  nine  o'clock,  I  moved  in  rear  of  the 
brigade  on  the  road  leading  through  the  wood  on  our  left,  and,  while 
moving,  received  an  order  from  General  Polk  to  take  position  in  the 
old  field  on  the  right  of  the  Wilkinson  pike,  and  support  Captain 
Barnett's  battery.  This  field,  you  will  recollect,  is  the  one  extend- 
ing to  the  enemy's  lines,  and,  being  for  the  most  part  level,  his  works 
covered  and  his  guns  swept  every  foot  of  the  ground.  IIere»  I 
remained  during  the  day,  changing  position  only  as-  circumstances 
required,  or  the  retreating  enemy  invited  to  follow. 

Several  times  during  the  day  the  fii  e  of  the  battery  had  ,a  telling 
eifect  upon  their  lines  of  infantry,  which  were  plainly  to  be  seen. 
At  one  time  they  occupied  a  strong  position  in  front  of  the  little  log 
houso,  (daubed  with  red  mud,)  and  held  in  check  our  forces,  who. had 
to  march  across  an  open  plat  of  ground  to  attack  them.  Arriving  in 
position  in  time  to  observe  the  enemy  and  the  repulse  of  our  forces 
at  the  same  time,  1  threw  a  few  well  directed  shots  into  their  ranks, 
which  caused  them  to  retreat  precipitately.  Our  lines  immediately 
advOTiced,  occupied  the  position,  and  continued  to  drive  them.  Again, 
29 


450 

later  in  the  afternoon,  I  arlvanccii  as  far  as  the  Cowan  or  burned 
brick  house,  on  the  Nashville  pike,  from  which  point,  although  ex- 
posed to  a  galling  fire  from  their  batteries,  we  succeeded  in  pouring 
a  very  destructive  fire  into  their  ranks,  causing  them  to^ivcback 
from  several  points,  and  materially  aiiling  our  infantry  in  their  ad- 
vance. Here  we  lost  two  men  and  several  horses  killed,  and  one 
limber  disabled.  All  day  wo  wer^  under  fire  from  their  batteries, 
till  bite  in  the  evening,  when  we  were  ordered  to  resume  our  original 
position. 

On  Thursday  morning  I  moved  to  a  position  on  the  Nashville  pike, 
at  the  point  where  the  railroad  crosses  that  road,  and  remained  all 
day  and  part  of  the  following  night,  without  firing  a  gun.  Indeed, 
there  was  no  fighting  and  but  little  skirmishing  on  our  lines  during 
the  time. 

Orders  being  received  during  the  night,  my  battery,  together  Avith 
the  other  batteries  of  the  division,  moved,  and  v/as  placed  in  the  open 
woods  on  the  right  of  the  railroad,  about  five  hundred  yards  north  of 
the  Cowan  or  burned  brick  house.  Chalmers'  brigade  was  sent  to 
support  us. 

Very  early  in  the  morning  (Fiiday),  it  became  evident  that  the 
enemy  would  dispute  with  us  for  this  ground.  Twice  during  the  day 
their  skirmishers  drove  ours  in,  and  the  heavy  columns  of  infantry 
following  were  only  repulsed  by  our  artillery. 

It  having  been  determined  that  General  Breckinridge  should  attack 
them  on  our  right,  orders  were  sent  to  me  that  precisely  at  four 
o'clock  I  should  open  with  my  battery  on  the  left  of  the  woods  skirt- 
ing the  river  bank,  and  upon  the  enemy's  batteries,  in  order,  as  I 
inferreil,  to  draw  their  fire  from  our  right.  This  I  evidently  suc- 
ceeded in  doing.  They  turned  all  their  batteries  on  me,  producing  a 
concentration  of  shot  and    shell   such   as  I  never  before   witnessed. 

During  the  night  I  returned  to  the  place  I  had  left  in  the  morning, 
and  on  Saturday  morning  moved  to  our  extreme  left,  to  resist  a  move- 
ment the  enemy  were  supposed  to  be  making  in  that  direction.  Here 
we  remained  until  late  in  the  evening,  when  orders  were  given  to 
move  to  the  rear  of  Murfreesboro'. 

My  movements  each  day  v.ere  governed  by  orders  directly  from 
Lieutenant  General  Polk.  As  usual,  I  did  not  move  with  your 
brigade,  but  I  do  not  doubt  but  that  I  gave  you  as  much  support  as 
though  I  had,  for  my  positions  covered  your  right  and  front  as  effect- 
ually as  if  I  had  been  with  you,  and  perhaps  better. 

I  feel  satisfied  with  the  part  the  battery  played,  and  know  that  I 
did  our  cause  some  service.  Considering  the  exposed  situation  of 
the  company,  it  would  appear  strange  that  we  lost  so  few  killed  and 
wounded.  This  must  be  accounted  for  from  the  fact  that  I  kept  my 
caissons  in  the  rear,  out  of  range  of  the  shot,  and  the  limbers  and 
drivers  were  for  the  mos^part  sheltered.  Only  the  officers  and  can- 
noneers were  exposed  all  the  time.  Nevertheless,  we  have  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  three  killed  and  four  wounded,  all  by  cannon  shot,  ^here 
were  also  seven  horses  killed. 

To  Lieutenants  McSwine  and  McCall  I  am  indebted  for  the  proper 


451 

management  of  the  battery  in  tlic  several   engagements   in   wliich  it 
participated. 

The  whole  company  acted  bravely,  doing  no  discredit  to  their  re- 
putation gained  at  Shiloh  and. Perry ville. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

T.  J.  STANFORD, 
Captain   commanding  Light  Battery. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  TURNER. 

Headquartehs  Smith's  Battery,  January  29,  1863. 

Captain  T.  H.  M alone,  A.  A.  G., 

Maury^s  Brigade,  Cheatham's  Division,  Polkas  Corps,  A.  T. : 

In  accordance  with  special  orders  issueci  from  headquarters,  I  have 
the  honor  to  submit  the  tollowing  report  of  tha  action  of  Smith's  bat- 
tery during  the  engagements  before  Murfreesboro',  Tennessee,  from 
the  29th  December,  1862^  to  the  3d  of  January.  1863,  both  inclusive. 

On  the  29th- the  battery  vras  ordered  to  take  a  position  on  Stone 
riverj  about  two  andahaJf  miles  from  Murfreesboro',  on  the  loft  wing, 
and  lay  in  position  until  late  on  the  evening,  "when  it  was  ordered  to 
take  another  position,  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  further  down  en 
the  left.  In  that  position  it  remained  until  about  sunset,  when  I  was 
ordered  to  return  and  park  my  battery  for  the  night  near  the  first 
named  position.  The  battery  was  not  engaged  during  the  day,  and 
did  not  fire  a  single  shot.  On  the  3(lth  I  was  ordered  to  cross  Stone 
river  and  take  a  position  in  rear  of  your  brigade,  which  I  did.  Du- 
ring this  day  the  battery  was  exposed  to  heavy  shelling  from  the 
enemy's  guns.  In  this  position  the  battery  remained  until  late  in  the 
evening,  when  I  was  ordered  to  return  and  park  my  battery  for  the 
night  in  the  same  place  it  occupied  on  the  night  of  the  29th  Decem- 
ber. On  the  31st  1  was  ordered  to  cross  Stone  river  and  take  posi- 
tion about  half  a  mile  from  said  river,  which  was  done,  and  the  bat- 
tery went  into  action,  firing  a  few  rounds.  From  thence  I  was  or- 
dered about  a  rnile  further  onward,  to  take  another  position.  At  this 
point  the  battery  went  into  action  a  sf  cond  time,  firing  upon  one  of 
the  enemy's  ])atterie3,  as  well  as  upon  their' infantry.  In  this  second 
engagement  the  battery  fired  about  two  hundred  rounds,  was  engaged 
about  forty  minutes,  and  succeeded  in  silencing  the  enemy's  battery, 
as  well  as  driving  back  their  infantry.  The  enemy's  battery  having 
ceased  firing,  and  their  infantry  having  fallen  back,  I  was  ordered  to 
advance  further  onward,  and  take  a  position  near  the  one  occupied  by 
the  enemy's  battery,  which  had  been  captured  during  the  second  en- 
gagement. In  this  position  the  battery  remained  until  late  in  the 
evening,  when  I  was  ordered  to  another  to  the  right  of  the  one  last 
occupied,  and*  at  this  point  the  battery  was  engaged  about  twenty 
minutes,  firing  scvefal  rounds.  I  then  parked  it  near  by  for  the 
night.  On  the  morning  of  January  1st,  I  was  ordered  with  my  bat- 
tery to  take  a  position  near  the  one  last  held  the  evening  before, 
which  was  done.  The  battery  lay  in  this  position  during  the  whole 
day,  without  being  engaged.  On  the  night  of  January  1st  it  was 
parked  in  the  same  place,  and  the  men,  according  to  orders,  went  to 
building  fortifications,  which  occupied  them  until  a  late  hour.  At 
two  (Vclock  in  the  morning  of  January  2d,  the  battery  was  ordered  to 
the  right  of  the  Nashville  pike,  to  take  a  position  on  Stone  river, 
T?hich  was  done,  and  during  the  day  it  was  engaged  six  times,  aver- 


453 

aging  about  a  half  hour  to  each  engagement.  In  the  action  of  this 
day  the  battery  succeeded  twice  (in  connexion  with  those  of  Games', 
Stanford's,  and  Scott's.)  in  driving  back  a  column  of  the  enemy's  in- 
fantry. The  effect  of  our  two  twelve-pounder  Napoleon  guns  was 
noticed  particularly  during  the  'whole  day,  and  late  in  the  evening 
they  succeeded  of  themselves  in  driving  back  a  column  of  the  enemy's 
infantry.  Some  time  after  dark  I  was  ordered  back  across  the  pike, 
and  parked  my  battery  for  the  night.  On  the  'id  of  January  I  was 
ordered  with  my  battery  to  the  left,  on  the  Wilkinson  pike,  and  lay 
in  position  during  the  whole  day,  without  being  engaged.  In  the 
evening  of  this  day  I  was  onlered  to  camp,  about  two  miles  from  Mur- 
freesboro',  on  the  Shelbyville  pike,  and  there  parked  my  battery  until 
the  morning  of  the  4th,  when  I  was  ordered  to  proceed  on  tov>'ard8 
Shelbyville. 

The  commander  takes  pleasure  to  include  in  this  report  that  his  men 
remained  steadily  at  their  posts,  filling"their  respective  duties  during 
the  hottest  part  of  the  engagement,  and  acted  in  every  respect  com- 
mendable as  soldiers.  The  list  of  casualties  were  one  killed  and  four 
wounded ;  also,  eight  horses  killed  and  lost. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

WM.  B.  TURNER, 
Lieutenant  commanding  Smith'' s  battery  Light  Artillery. 


RErORT  £)F  LIEUTENANT  MARSHALL. 

Camp  of  Artillery,  near  SnELnvviLLE,  ) 
January  12,  18G3.      \ 

C0L0NF.L :  After  occupying  a  position  in  rear  of  General  Donel- 
son's  brigade  fur  two  days,  Captain  Carnes,  about  noon  on  the  31st, 
■was  ordered  to  move  his  battery  forward  in  support  of  the  right  wing 
of  our  brigade,  especially  the  heroic  sixteenth  Tennessee.  The  bat- 
tery took  position  on  the  right  of  the  Nashville  road,  about  three 
fourths  of  a  mile  in  advance  of  its  former  position,  and  near  the  river. 
Here  we  lost  one  man  and  two  horses  before  we  were  allowed  to  fire. 
In  about  an  hour  the  battery  was  ordered  to  advance  in  order  j;he  bet- 
ter to  return  the  enemy's  fire.  Accordingly  we  proceeded  up  the  road 
about  two  hundred  yards,  when  we  were  met  by  our  forces  making  a 
slight  retrograde  movement,  aild  the  battery  was  compelled  to  take  its 
former  position  nearly.  We  immediately  went  into  battery,  and  fired 
a  few  rolinds,  by  order  of  General  Breckinridge,  to  assist  in  steadying 
our  troops,  though  not  having  a  very  fair  shot  at  the  enemy. 

About  four  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  battery  was  ordered  to  cross 
over  the  Wilkinson  pike,  and  finally  to  its  position  near  the  rail- 
road bridge  for  the  night.  On  the  next  day,  the  1st  instant,  we  were 
ordered  to  occupy  a  position  in  line  with  four  or  five  other  batteries, 
on  the  high  ground  to  the  left  of  the  Nashville  road,  and  about  the 
same  distance  to  the  front  us  our  position  the  day  before.  We  here 
fortified  our  guns  as  well  as  circumstances  permitted,  but  did  not  re- 
turn the  few  shots  the  enemy  gave  us  in  this  position.  During  the 
evening,  however.  Captain  Carnes,  by  order,  took  the  howitzers  over 
the  bluff  on  the  right  of  the  railroad  and  pike,  near  the  river,  and 
opened,  what  we  afterwards  learned  to  be,  a  very  destructive  fire  upon 
the  enemy,  compelling  them  to  retire,  and  change  their  position.  The 
enemy  did  not  reply  with  his  artillery,  and  our  immediate  front  was 
cleared  of  his  sharpshooters. 

The  next  day,  the  2d  instant,  our  whole  battery,  iilso  Stanford's  and 
Smith's,  took  position  in  line  on  the  same  bluff.  To  our  left,  across 
the  Nashville  road,  were  Scott's  and  Roberson's  batteries.  We  opened 
■simultaneously  to  clear  our  front  of  the  enpmy's  sharpshooters,  who 
had  reoccupied  the  woods  along  our  front  during  the  night.  The  ene- 
my replied  with  several  batteries,  two  of  which  were  composed  of  rified 
;guns.  The  firing  continued  about  twenty  minutes.  Our  caissons,  under 
'■Command  of  Lieutenant  Cockrill,  were  then  ordered  up  to  replenish 
■our  ammunition  chests.  Two  similar  artillery  conflicts  took  place 
'during  the  day  ;  our  caissions  being  brought  up  each  time  to  supply 
■our  limbers.  The  caissons  were  held  under  such  cover  near  the  river, 
•as  the  ground  allowed.  At  night  the  battery  was  ordered  back  to  the 
rifle-trench  running  across  the  field  two  hundred  yards  in  rear  of  the 
burnt  house,  and  supported  by  General  Maney's  brigade. 

At  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  instant,  our  battery  took  the 
same  position  by  itself,  on  the  bluff;  instructed  not  to  reply  to  the 


455  . 

enemy's  artillery,  but  to  repel  any  advance  of  tbe  enemy's  infantry  or 
sharpshooters.  A  portion  of  General  Chalmers"  brigade  here  supported 
our  battery.  We  immediately  opened  a  brisk  fire  upon  the  enemy's 
shirraishers,  who  had  again  occupied  the  ^YOods  in  our  front ;  we  soon 
cleared  the  woods  of  the  enemy,  though  supported  f;s  usual  bv  their 
artillery.  Late  in  the  evening  the  enemy  opened  a  powerful  fire  of 
his  artillery  on  our  position,  attracted  probabU'  bj^  the  appearance  of 
a  regiment  going  to  relieve  our  pickets  in  the  woods.  We  lost  at  tliis 
time  one  man  killed  and  four  wounded.  About  half-past  seven  o'clock, 
we  were  ordered  to  return  to  our  old  camp  near  town.  Our  battery 
now  stood  at  strict  attention,  for  seven  days,  the  harness  during  that 
time  had  not  been  taken  from  the  horses,  yet  our  men  stood  firm  in 
their  frequent  engagements  with  the  enemy,  always  handled  their  guns 
with  admirable  skill  and  rapiditv. 

L.  W    MARSHALL, 
Lieutenant  commanding  Steuben  Art'dUry. 


REPORT  OF  L1EUTENA^'T  KEY. 

AiiTiLi.LRv  Camp,  Tulluhoma,  Tam.,  Jau.  23,  1863. 

Gf.nerai.  :  On  the  rnorning  of  the  Slst  of  Dccenrher,  1S62,  Captaiu 
Calverte's  battery  moved  forward,  on  the  left  -wing  of  the  Confederate 
anny,  auppoiting  General  Polk's  brigade.  Skirmishing  began  before 
the  shades  of  i:ight  had  iled,  and  by  day  the  rattle  of  musketry  ex- 
tendeil  far  ofi  to  our  right.  At  the  first  charge  the  abolition  hordes 
gave  ^YiJy,  save  a  brigade,  Avhich  was  concealed  in  a  dark  cedar  grove, 
and  behind  large  rocks  ;  and  lo  di.slo.dge  them.  Colonel  H'ill  sent  to 
my  battery  for  one  piece  of  ar'.illeiy.  which  Avas  immediately  dis- 
patched, under  charge  of  Lieutenant  Fitzpatriok,  After  the  right 
■wing  of  the  enemy  had  been  driven  a  mile,  one  of  their  batteries  was 
discovered  firing  upon  General  Polk's  lines,  and  immediately  my  bat- 
tery rushed  in  advance  of  the  brigade,  m  open  field,  and  engaged  the 
cnenj}'.  So  soon  ns  we  opened  upon  the  enemy's  artillery  it  returned 
the  fire,  -with  deadly  aim,  wounding  one  inan  and  killing  three  horses. 
My  Artillery  killed  the  abolition  captain,  one  sergeant,  and  two  or 
three  cannoneers,  and  cut  down  one  of  his  caissons,  and  number  of 
horses.  The  battery  was  silenced,  and  made  a  hasty  retreat.  With 
all  possible  speed,  the  harness  was  cut  from-  my  dead  horses,  and 
moved  forward  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 

The  next  point  of  attack  was  r»ear  the  Xa^hville  and  Franklin  pike, 
where  the  abolition  infantry  had  ensconced  themselves  in  a  dense 
forest  of  timber,  and  were  awaiting  the  advance  of  our  forces,  to  mow 
the'ni  down  as  they  ])ursued  over  an  open  field.  This  battery  began 
shelling  the  woods,  and  routed  the  abolitionists  in  front,  but  they  ral- 
lied, and  renewed  the  attack  on  our  loft;  and  prom{)tly  we  turned  our 
guns  upon,  them,  and  they  were  hurled  back  in  confusion,  regiment 
rushing  upon  regiment  in  disorder,  into  the  immense  cedar  thicket. 

The  fourth  place  of*  action  was  after  we  had  pursued  the  enemy's 
batteries  into  the  clustering'  cedars,  near  the  railroad,  where  they 
were  inapsed.  At  this  period  the  sounds  of  the  battle  carnage  pro- 
ceeding from  the  gloomy  forest  of  cedars  and  towering  oaks,  were  ap- 
palling, grand,  and  awful,  as  ever  fell  upon  the  ears  of  the  "hero  of 
a  hundred  battles.  The  contest  was  unequal  and  desperate.  Their 
rifle  guns  would  throw  canister  as  far  as  ours  would  spherical  case, 
and  in  order  to  prevent  annihilation  we  were  forced  to  withdraw. 

The  fifth  position  was  in  the  field  west  of  the  enemy's  concentrated 
artillery,  where  we  fought  them  until  we  had  exhausted  our  ammuni- 
tion, losing,  in  this  engagement,  one  of  our  bravest  and  most  expert 
(No.  1)  cannoneers.  The  enemy  turned  a  triple  number  of  pieces 
upon  us,  and  the  missiles  of  death  fell  among  us  singing,  whizzing, 
bursting,  and  crashing  througli  the  trees  as,  if  Mount  Vesuvius  had 
at  one  instant  poured  all  its  pent  up  furies  into  our  midst.  Our 
escape  from  b(?ueath  those  powerful  guns  was  fortunate,  if  not  mi- 
raculous. 

The  sixth  and  last  action  was  near  the  same  intermixed  iind  matted 


457 

grove  of  ceJar5<.  Here,  also,  the  contest  was  u'nequiil.  It  was  in  this 
engagement  that  Lieutenant  Fitzpatrick  lost  his  left  hand,  by  a  can- 
ister, and  a  cannoneer's  head  was  shot  off,  and  a  number  of  horses 
were  killed,  and  one  howitzer  slightly  damaged.  Finding  that  we 
could  not  move  tiie  enemy  from  his  strong  position,  and  that  smooth- 
bored  guns  could  not  cope  with  Parrott  and  rifled  guns,  we  withdrew 
from  the  contest. 

The  battery  lost  three  men  wounded,  ten  horses  killed  and  wounded, 
and  four  sets  of  harness.  Drove  the  abolitionists  from  three  positions, 
and  in  turn  were  driven  from  a  like  number.  The  officers,*  on  Wed- 
nesday, the  '31st,  passed  through  the  battle  storm  with  cool  and  lofty 
courage,  and  the  rnon  stood  firmly  to  tli^ir  guns,  and  showed  their 
devotion  to  their  country's  cause  by  overcoming  and  extinguishing 
fear. 

Resnectfully,  yours, 

THOMAS  J.  KEY, 
Commanding  Helena  Battery. 


REPORT  OF'lIEUTENANT  LAKE. 

jirmsand  Ammunition  taken  from  battk-fidd  at  Murfrecsboro\  Tenn. 

Headquarters  Ordnance  Department,  ) 
Johnson's  Brigade,  TuUahoma,  Tc7in.,-  Ja.u.  23,  l8Go.       5 

Captain  R.  B.  Snowden, -4.  A.  G.: 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  of  reporting,  that  whilst  on  the  battle-field 
near  Murfrcesboro',  Tennessee,  December  31,  1862,  I  collected  and 
turned  over  to  ordnance  depjirtment  about  one  hundred  and  eixty 
guns,  consisting  of  Enfield  rifles,  Minnie  and  percussion  muskets.  I 
also  took  from  the  field  one'  f  »ur  horse  wagon  complete,  with  fifteen 
boxes  Enfield  cartridges,  which  wagon  I  now  have  in  my  train. 
Very  respectfully, 

JAMES  B    LAKE, 
Fir&t  Litut.  and  Chief  of  Ordnance,  Gen.  Johnson'' s  Brigade. 


^li 


OPERATIONS  LN  KENTUCKY. 


REPORT  OF  CxENERAL  BPAGG. 


Heaijquarters  Army    of  Tf.nnessee,      } 
Winchcsttr,   Tennessee,  January   8th,    1863.  ^ 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General, 

Richmond,    Virginia  : 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  herewith  to  forward  the  reports  made  by 
Generals  Forrest  and  Morgan  of  their  recent  operations,  showing  the 
entire  success  of  their  expeditions. 

In  transmitting  these  reports,  it  may  not  be  amiss  for  me  to  re- 
capitulate the  plan  on  which  the  whole  campaign  had  been  conducted 
since  this  army  crossed  the  Tennessee  river.  As  soon  as  my  forces 
were  suiGRciently  concentrated  to  enable  me  to  assume  a  decided  stand 
at  Murfreesboro',  the  main  body  of  the  army  was  thrown  forward  to 
a  line  with  that  point  as  a  centre.  Tho  cavalry,  with  the  exception 
of  the  brigades  of  Forrest  and  Morgan,  was  posted  well  forward  to- 
wards the  enemy's  lines  near  Nashville,  by  which  the  sphere  of  his 
operations  on  tliis  side  of  the  Cumberland  were  much  contracted,  and 
his  attempts  at  foraging  were  rendered  almost;  fruitless.  My  inten- 
tion of  cutting  his  communications  in  rear,  which  would  seriously 
embarrass  him  during  the  low  stage  of  the  Cumberland,  was  indicated 
to  you  in  my  report  from  Tullahoma  previous  to  moving  forward  to 
Murfreesboro'.  In  the  execution  of  this  design,  I  observed  as  little 
delay  as  possible.  As  soon  as  practicable  after  the  brilliant  affair  at 
Hartsville,  Brigadier  Generiil  John  H.  Morgan  crossed  the  Camber- 
land  with  his  command,  and  moved  b}^  forced  marches  to  northern 
Kentucky,  so  as  to  strike  the  enemy  where  distance  and  long  repose 
had  lulled  him  into  a  sense  cf  security.  For  the  brilliant  and  suc- 
cessful execution  of  his  irstructions,  General  Morgan  has  again  won 
the  admiration  and  gratitude  of  his  country  and  Government.  For 
the  details  of  his  movements  and  achievements,  I  respectfully  refer 
you  to  his  oflScial  report.     In  accordance  with  the  same  general  plan, 


460 

which  included  a  diversion  in  favor  of  our  army  in  Mississippi,  then 
heavily  pressed  by  General  Grant,  I  ordered  Brigadier  General  N.  B. 
Forrest  to  proceed  with  his  brigade  of  cavalry  to  west  Tennessee,  and 
operate  upon  the  enemy's  communications  in  that  direction.  His 
command  was  composed  chiefly  of  new  men,  imperfectly  ariaed  and 
equipped,  and  in  his  route  lay  the  Teni  essee  river,  which  had  to  bo 
cro-^sed  by  such  means  as  could  be  hastily  improvised.  His  reports 
attest  the  excellent  bearing  of  his  troops,  and  show  the  results  of  his 
expedition  to  have  been  most  brilliant  and  decisive.  The  enen:y,  in 
consequence  of  this  vigorous  assault  in  a  quarter  vital  to  their  self- 
preservation,  have  been  compelled  to  throw  back  a  large  force  from 
Mississippi,  and  virtually  to  abandon  a  campaign  which  so  seriously 
threatened  our  safety.  The  loss  of  Forrest,  though  considerable,  is 
small  in  comparison  with  the  results  achieved,  and  that  of  the  enemy. 
The  details  of  his  operations  will  be  found  in  his  enclosed  reports. 
He  has  received  ray  thanks  and  deserves  the  applause  of  his  Gov- 
ernment. Each  of  these  commanders  captured  many  prisoners,  whom 
they  paroled.  The  number  taken  by  General  Forrest  amounts  to  fif- 
teen hundred,  while  the  killed  and  wounded  number,  perhaps,  one 
thousand.  General  Morgan  captured  near  two  thou.iand,  .la  i  killed 
and  wounded  sev/jral  hundred.  Their  destruction  of  the  enemy's  stores 
has  been  immense,  and  must  naturally  impede  his  future  operations. 
The  numb'er  of  prisoners  above  given,  added  to  our  othor  captures, 
makes  a  total  of  more  than  ten  thousand  taken  by  our  torcos  since 
coming  into  middle  Tennessee.  The  remainder  of  my  cavalry,  under 
Wheeler,  Wharton,  Pegram,-  and  Buford,  has  been  actively  and  suc- 
cessfully engage(t  in  their  respective  spheres  of  duty.  They  will  be 
more  noticed  and  comiuendeil  in  my  report  of  the  actions  before 
^lurfrecsboro',  which  is  deferred  a  few  days  by  movements  which  de- 
lay the  receipt  of  subordinate  repors. 

1  am,  General,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

BRAXTON  BRAGG, 

General  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FORREST. 

Brigade  Headquarters,  near  Union  Cit'/,  ^ 
December  24,  1862.  ^ 

General  Braxton  Bragg,  0 

Commanding  army  of  Tennessee  : 

General:  In  accordance  with  your  order,  I  moved  vfith  ray  com- 
mand from  Columbia,,  on  the  eleventh  instant,  reached  the  river  at 
Clifton  on  Sunday,  the  13th,  and,  after  mucli  difficulty,  ^orliing  night 
and  day,  finished  crossing  on  the  15th,  camping  that  night  eight  miles 
west  of  the  river. 

On  the  16th,  we  met  the  pickets  of  the  enemy  near  Lexington,  and 
attacked  their^ force  at  Lexington,  consisting  of  one  section  of  artil- 
lery and  eight  hundred  cavalry.  We  routed  them  completely,  cap- 
turing the  two  guns  and  forty-eight  prisoners,  including  Colonel 
Ingcrsoll  and  Major  Kerr,  of  the  eleventh  Illinois  cavalry.  We  also 
captured  about  seventy  horses,  which  were  badly  needed,  and  imme- 
diately put  in  service  in  our  batteries.  The  balance  of  the  Federal 
cavalry  fled  in  the  direction  of  Trenton  and  Jackson.  We  pushed  on 
rapidly  to  Jackson,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  18th  drove  in  their 
pickets  on  all  the  roads  leading  out  of  Jackson.  On  the  same  night, 
I  sent  Colonel  Dibrcll  on  the  right  of  Jackson  to  tear  up  the  railroad 
track  and  destroy  the  telegraph  wires.  He  captured  at  Webb's  sta- 
tion ten  (?)  Federals,  destroying  their  stockade,  and  tore  up  the  road, 
switch,  etc.  at  the  turn  out.  At  the  same  time  that  Dibrell  was  sent 
on  the  right,  Col,  Russell  and  Major  Cox,  with  their  commands,  were 
sent  out  on  the  left,  to  destroy  bridges  a.nd  culverts  on  the  railroads  from 
Jackson  to  Corinth  and  Bolivar.  The  next  morning  I  advanced  on 
Jackson  with  Colonel  Woodward's  two  companies,  and  Colonel  Biflle's 
battalion  of  about  four  hundred  men,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery 
from  Freeman's  battery.  About  four  miles  from  Jackson,  skirmish- 
ing began  with  the  skirmishers,  and  the  enemy  Avere  reported  advan- 
cing with  two  regiments  of  infantry  and  a  battalion  of  cavalry.  We 
opened  on  them  Avith  the  guns,  and  after  a  running  fight  of  about  an 
hour,  drove  them  into  their  fortifications.  The  enem}'  had  been  hea- 
vily reinforced  at  Jackson,  from  Corinth,  Bolivar  and  Lagrange,  and 
numbered,  from  the  best  information  I  could  obtain,  about  nine  thou- 
sand,men.  I  withdrew  my  forces  that  evening  and  moved  rapidly  on 
to  Trenton  and  Humboldt.  Colonel  Dibrell's  command  was  sent  to 
destroy  the  bridge  over  the  Forked  Deer  river,  between  Ilumboldc 
and  Jackson.  (Jolonel  Starney  was  sent  to  attack,  Humboldt.  Colo- 
nel Eiffle  was  sent  so  as  to  get  in  the  rear  of  Trenton,  while  with  Ma- 
jor Cox's  command,  and  my  body  guard,  commanded  by  Captain 
Little,  and  Freeman's  battery,  I  dashed  into  town,  and  attacked  the 
enemy  at  Trenton.  They  were  fortified  at  the  depot,  but  yrere  with- 
out artillery.  "After  a  short  engagement  between  their  sharpshooters 
and  Our  cavalry,  our  battery  opened  on  them,  and  on  the  third  fire 


463 

from  the  battery,  they  surrendered.  "We  lost  two  men  killed  and 
•wounded  ;  the  enemy  two  killed,  and  over  seven  hundred  prisoners, 
with  a  large  quantity  of  stores,  arms,  ammunition  and  provisions, 
which,  for  want  of  transportation,  we  were  cotnpello<l  to  destroy.    We 

«ptured  several  hundred  horses,  but  few  of  thera  were  of  any  value, 
lose  that  were  of  any  service  we  took,  and  the  balance  1  handed 
over  to  the  citizens  from  whom  many  of  them  had  been  pressed  or 
stolen.  Colonel  Russell,  who  was  protecting  our  rear  at  Spring  creek, 
found  the  enemy  advancing  and  following  us  Avith  three  thousand  in- 
fantry, two  batteries,  and  several  hundred  cavalry.  He  skirmished 
with  thera  during  the  evening,  and  the  next  morning  before  daylight 
dismounted  half  of  his  command,  and  succeeded  in  getting  Avithin 
sixty  yards  of  their  encampment.  They  discovered  him  and  formed 
in  line  of  battle,  he  delivered  a  volley  as  soon  as  their  line  was  formed, 
and  the  balance  of  the  regiment  charged  on  horseback.  The  enemy 
became  panic  stricken,  and  retreated  hastily  across  Spring  creek, 
burning  the  bridge  after  them.  We  have  heard  nothing  from  them 
since  in  that  direction.  Colonel  Starney  took  Humboldt,  capturing 
over  one  hundred  prisoners.  He  destroyed  the  stockade,  railroad  de- 
pot, and  burnt  up  a  trestle  bridge  near  that  point.  Colonel  Dibrell's 
command  failed  to  destroy  the  bridge  over  the  Forked  Deer  river,  as 
the  enemy  were  strongly  fortified,  and  protected  by  two  creeks  on  one 
side  of  the  railroad,  and  a  wide  swampy  bottom  on  the  other,  which 
rendered  the  approach  of  cavalry  impossible.  He  dismounted  his 
men,  and  while  approaching  their  fort,  a  train  arrived  from  Jackson 
with  a  regiment  of  infantry.  Lieutenant  Morton,  with  two  guns, 
opened  on  the  train,  when  it  retired — the  troops  on  it  gaining  the 
stockade.  Owing  to  the  situation  of  the  stockade,-  and  the  density  of 
the  timber,  and  the  wet,  miry  condition  of  the  bottom,  the  guns  could 
not  be  brought  to  bear  on  it.  Night  coming  on,  Colonel  Dibrell  with- 
drew, and  rejoined  my  comtuand.  We  remained  in  Trenton  during 
the  night  of  the  2i)tli,  paroling  all  the  prisoners,  and  selecting  from 
the  stores  at  the  depot  such  as  were  needed  by  the  command. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2 1st,  I  fired  the  depot,  burning  up  the  re- 
maining supplies,  with  about  six  hundred  bales  of  cotton,  two  hun- 
dred barrels  of  pork,  and  a  large  lot  of  tobacco,  in  hogsheads,  used 
by  the  enemy  for  breastworks.  After  seeing  everything  destroyed,  I 
moved  on  in  Jthe  direction  of  Union  city,  capturing,  at  Rutherford 
station,  two  companies  of  Federals,  and  destroying  the  railroad  from 
Trenton  to  Kenton  station,  at  which  place  we  captured  Col.  Kinney, 
of  the  one  hundred  and  twenty-second  Illinois  regiment,  and  twenty- 
two  men,  left  sick  in  the  hospital.  I  took  a  portion  of  the  command 
and  pushed  ahead  to  Union  city,  capturing  one  hundred  and  six  Fed- 
erals, without  firing  a  gun.  I  destroyed  the  railroad  bridge  over  the 
bayou  near  Moscow,  and  am  completing  the  destruction  of  the  bridges 
over  the  north  and  south  fork  of  Obion  river,  with  nearly  four  miles  of 
trestling  in  the  bottom  between  them.  We  have  made  a  clean  sweep 
of  the  Federals  except  at  Forts  Hiemann,  Paducah  and  Columbus, 
north  of  Jackson,  and  west  of  Tennessee  river.  Reports  that  are  re- 
liable, show  that  the^Federals  are  sending  up  troops  from  Memphis. 


463 

One  hundred  and  twenty-five  transports  passed  down  a  few  days  ago 
within  ten  hours,  and  daily  they  are  passing  up  loaded  with  troops. 
General  Grant  must  either  he  in  a  very  critical  condition,  or  else  af- 
fairs in  Kentucky  require  the  movement. 

In  closing  my  report.  General,  allow  me  to  say,  that  great  cre(^ 
is  due  to  the  oiBcers  of  my  command.  They  have  exhibited  grcm 
zeal,  energy,  endurance  and  gallantry.  Colonel  Russell  and  his  com- 
mand deserve  especial  notice,  for  their  gallantry  in  the  fight  at  Lex- 
ington and  Spring  creek.  Captain  Gurley,  with  twelve  men,  charged 
a  gun  at  Lexington,  supported  by  over  one  hundred  Federal  cavalry. 
He  captured  the  gun,  losing  his  orderly  sergeant  by  the  fire  of  the 
gun,  when  within  fifteen  feet  of  its  muzzle.  My  men  have  all  be- 
haved well  in  action,  and  as  soon  as  rested  a  little,  you  will  hear  from 
me  in  another  quarter.  Our  loss  so  far  is  eight  killed,  twelve 
wounded,  and  two  missing;  the  enemy's  killed  and  wounded  are  over 
one  hundred,  prisoners  over  twelve  hundred,  including  four  colonels, 
four  majors,  ten  captains  and  twenty-three  lieutenants.  We  have 
been  so  busy,  and  kept  so  constantly  moving,  that  we  have  not  had 
time  to  make  out  a  report  of  our  strength,  and  ask  to  be  excused 
until  the  next  courier  comes  over.  We  send  by  courier  a  list  of 
prisoners  paroled.5 

General,  I  am  very  respectfully. 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 

N.  B.  FORREST, 
Brigadier  General,  commanding  West  Tennessee.  • 


REPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  FORREST. 

Brigade  Headquarters,  Clifton,  January  3,  18GS. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  George  W.  Brent,  A.  A.  G.  : 

General  :  I  forwarded  you  from  Middleburg,  per  Lieutenant  Mar- 
tin, a  detailed  report  of  my  operations  up  to  the  25th  ultimo,  which 
I  hope  reached  you  safely.  1  left  Middleburg  on'  the  2oth,  proceed- 
injr,  via  the  NorthAvestern  railro:nl,  to  McKenzie's  station,  destroying 
ail  the  bridgc3  and  trestle  on  that  road  from  Union  city  to  McKen- 
zie's station. 

From  McKenzie's  station  we  were  compelled  to  move  southward, 
in  the  direction  of  liCxington,  as  the  enemy,  in  force,  occupied  Tren- 
ton, Hu-nboldt,  Huntington,  and  Lexington.  After  ray  commansi 
left  Trenton  they  commenced  reinforcing  and  moving  to  the  points 
named,  with  a  view  of  cutting  off  ray  command  and  prevent  us  re- 
crossing  the  Tennessee.  -L^nderstanding  a  force  was  moving  on  me 
from  Trenton  in  the  direction  of  Dresden,  I  sent  Colonel  Bifiie  in 
that  direction  to  protect  our  movements  towards  Lexington,  intending, 
if  possible,  to  avoid  the  enemy,  and  go  on  and  attack  the  enemy  at 
Bethel  station,  on  the  Mobile  and  Ohio  road,  south  of  Jackson.  AVo 
left  McKenzie's  station  on  the  morning  of  the  2Sth  of  December,  but, 
in  crossing  the  bottom,  had  great  difficulty  in  crossing  our  artillery 
and  wagons ;  the  bridge  proved  to  be  much  decayed  and  gave  way, 
forcing  us  to  drag  our  artillery  and  wagons  through  the  bottom  and 
the  creeks.  It  was  with  great  dilficulty  we  got  through  by  working 
the  entire  night;  and  our  men  and  horses  were  so  much  fatigued  that 
I  was  compelled  to  camp  at  Flake's  store,  about  sixteen  miles  north 
of  Lexington,  when,  under  ordinary  circumstances  and  good  roads, 
we  ought  to  have  reached  Lexington  that  night,  which  place  had  been 
evacuated  by  the  enem^^,  believing  that  I  would  either  cross  the  Ten- 
nessee at  Huntington,  or  else  that  I  wouM  move  northward. 

On  the  morning  of  the  3 1st  we  moved  off  in  the  direction  of  Lex- 
ington, but  had  not  gone  more  than  four  miles  before  we  met  the 
skirmiirhers  of  the  enemy.  We  engaged  and  fought  six  regiments  for 
,,  five  hours,  driving  them  back,  until  three  o'clock  in  the  evening. 
,  They  took  shelter  in  a  grove  of  timber  of  about  sixty  acres,  enclosed 
by  a  fence  and  surrounded  by  open  fields.  I  had  sent  four  companies 
to  Clarksburg  to  protect  and  advise  me  of  any  advance  from  Hunt- 
ington, and,  finding  that  we  were  able  to  whip  the  enemy,  dismounted 
a  portion  of  my  cavalry  to  support  my  artillery  and  attack  in  front, 
■while  I  could  ilank  them  on  each  side  and  get  Colonel  Russell's  regi- 
ment in  their  rear.  We  drove  them  through  the  woods  with  great 
slaughter,  and  several  white  flags  were  raised  in  varioas  portions  of 
the  woods,  and  the  killed  and  wounded  were  strewn  over  the  ground. 
Thirty  minutes  more  would  have  given  us  the  day,  when,  to  my  sur- 
prise and  astonishment,  a  fire  was  opened  on  us  in   our  rear,  and  the 


465 

^nemr,  in  heavy  force,  under  General  Sullivan,  ailv-i.ncecl  on  n9. 
Knowing  that  I  had  four  companies  at  Clarksburg,  seven  mile;;  f.  "):a 
U8,, on  the  Hamburg  rotul.  I  could  not  believe  that  they  were  Fed-" 
erals  until  I  rode  up  myself  into  their  linv?3.  The  heavy  fire  of  th'.;ir 
infantry,  unexpected  and  unlocked  for  by  all,  caused  a  stampede  cf 
horses  belonging  to  ray  dismounted  men,  who  w^ere  following  up  r.,,,i 
driving  the  enemy  before  them.  They  also*  crippled  mvny  of  the 
horses  attached  to  our  caissons  and  reserved  guns.  I  had  sent  bi'^k 
two  miles  for  more  ammunition.  My  men  had  been  lighting  f.)r  Sve 
hours,  and  both  ariillery  and  small  arm  ammuhitioa  wa8  well-nigti 
exhausted. 

We  occupied  the  battle-field,  were  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy's 
dead  and  wounded  and  their  three  pieces  of  artillery,  and  had  ct)- 
mandod  a  surrender  of  the  brigade,  which  would  doubtless  have  beca 
forced  or  accepted  in  half  hour,  the  lieutenant  colonel  comraandiug 
proposing  to  leave  the  field  entirely  and  withdraw  his  forces,  provijed 
we  would  allow  him  to  bury  his  dead,  but,  believing  I  could  foic-j  1 
surrender,  and  that  in  a  short  time  the  demand  would  be  acceded  to, 
the  fighting  continued,  the  Federals  scattering  in  every  directir/i, 
Tho  stampede  of  horses  and  horse-holders  announced  that  help  was  at 
hand,  and  finding  my  command  now  exposed  to  fire  from  both  front 
and  rear,  I  Avas  compelled  to  withdraw,  which  I  did  in  good  order, 
leaving  behind  our  dead  iind  wounded.  We  were  able  to  bring  off  six 
pieces  of  artillery  and  two  caissons  ;  the  balance,  with  the  three  giinrf" 
we  captured,  we  were  compelled  to  lea;/e,  as  most  of  tho  horses  wore 
killed  or  crippled,  and  the  drivers  in  the  same  condition,  which  rca- 
dered  it  impossible  to  get  them  out  under  the  heavy  fire  of  the  enemy 
Irom  both  front  and  rear.  Our  loss  in  artillery-  is  three  guns  ..-r*d 
eight  caissons,  and  one  piece  which  bi;rsted  during  the  action.  Tho 
enemy's  loss  was  very  heavy  in  killed  and  wounded,  and,  as  we  1.\;>J 
the  field  and  saw  them  piled  up  all  around  the  fences,  we  had  a  g''>>'i 
opportunity  of  judging  of  their  loss.  We  gave  them  grape  and  Cva- 
ister  from  our  guns  at  three  hundred  yards,  and  as  they  fell  b^.ok 
through  the  timber,  their  loss  was  terrible,  t^fisoners  say  that  <»t 
least  one-third  of  the  command  was  killed  or  wounded.  From  n^A  I 
could  see  and  learn  from  my  aids  and  officers,  they  must  have  lost,  la 
killed  and  wounded,  from  eight  hundred  to  one  thousand  men.  The 
fire  of  our  artillery,  for  accuracy  jmd  rapidity,  was  scarcely,  if  ever, 
excelled,  and  their  position  in  the  fence  corners  proved  to  the  eneiiiy, 
instead  of  a  protection,  a  source  of  great  loss,  as  our  shot  and  ehcll 
scattered  them  to  the  winds,  and  many  were  killed  by  rails  that  were 
untouched  by  balls. 

Captain  Freeman  and  Lieutenant  Martin,  of  our  batteries,  wit.[i  %\\ 
of  their  men,  deserve  special  mention,  keeping  up,  as  they  did,  a 
constant  fire  from  their  pieces,  notwithstanding  the  enemy  raat?e 
every  cuort  at  silencing  their  pieces  by  shooting  down  the  artillerists 
at  the  guns. 

The  whole  command  fought  well.     We  had  about  eighteen  handrcd 
men  in  the  engagement,  and  fought  six  regiments  of  infantry,  with 
three  pieces  of  artillery,  which  we  charged  and  took,  but  were  com- 
80 


466 

polled  to  leave  them,  as  the  horses  were  all  killed  or  crippled.  We 
froupht  off  eighty-three  prisoners,  and  thoy  report  their  respective 
refiinients  as  badly  cut  up.  They  lost  colonels  aYid  many  company 
oflicers.  We  have,  on  our  side,  to  deplore  the  death  of  Colonel 
Alonzo  Napier,  who  was  killed  while  leading  his  raen  in  a  charge  on 
fcot.  He  was  a  gallant  officer,  and,  after  he  fell,. his  command  con- 
tinued to  drive  the  enemy  from  their  position  on  the  right  flank, 
f-trcwing  their  path  wfth  dead  and  wounded  Federals.  1  cannot  speak 
Hi  too  high  terms  of  all  my  commanding  officers,  and  the  men,  con- 
sidering they  were  mostly  raw  recruits,  fought  well.  I  Lave  not 
been  able  as  yet  to  ascertain  our  exact  loss,  but  I  am  of  the  opinion 
♦hat  sixty  killed  and  wounded  and  one  hundred  captured  or  missing 
f^'ill  cover  it,  I  taved  all  my  wagons  except  my  ammunitimi  wagons, 
\Thich,  by  a  mistake  of  orders,  were  driven  right  into  the  enemy's 
fcands  This  is  seriously  to  be  regretted,  as  we  had  captured  six 
fvngon  loads  of  it.  When  I  ordered  -up  one  wagon  of  ammunition 
ft>:d  the  ambulances,  the  wagon  master  and  ordnance  officer,  not 
knowing  exactly  what  kind  was  wanted,  or  misunderstanding  the 
order,  brought  up  all  the  ammunition,  and  by  the  time  he  reached  the 
point  with  them  Avhere  the  battle  begun,  that  portion  of  the  ground 
ffas  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  the  guards,  etc.,  were  forced  to 
abandon  them. 

We  have  always  been  short  of  shot  gun  caps,  and,  as  we  captured 
Bothiiig  but  musket  cops,  all  the  men  using  shot  guns  Avere  out,  or 
r. L'aily  so,  of  cups  after  the  action  was  over.  Considering  our  want 
cf  ammunition  for  small  arms  and  artillery,  and  tlie  worn  down  con- 
dition of  our  men  and  horses,  I  determined  at  once  to  recross  the 
Tennessee  river  and  return.  Had  we  been  entirely  success- 
ful in  the  battle  of  the  31st,  1  should  have  attacked  Bethel  station  on 
^V.e  'id  instant.  I  had  already  sent  a  company  to  cut  the  wires  and 
%jridges,  and  had  forage  prepared  twelve  miles  south  of  Lexington 
for  my  entire  command;  but  after  the  fight,  and  knowing  we  were  fol- 
lowed by  the  Federals  in  heavy  force  from  Trenton  and  Huntington, 
hvA  that  a  force  would  also  move  on  us  from  Jackson  as  soon  as  they 
tamed  I  had  passed  south  of  Lexington,  1  deemed  it  advisable  to 
Cioss  tke  Tennessee,  which  I  accomplished  yesterday  and  last  night 
in  safety.  Colonel  Bifl^le,  whom  I  before  mentioned  as  having  been 
Bent  to  Trenton,  or  in  that  direction,  returned  in  time  to  take  part  in 
the  battle  at  Parker's  cross  roads  «  He  captured  and  paroled  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  Federals  within  six  miles  of  Trenton.  The  captains  of 
ito  four  companies  sent  to  Clarksburg  have  not  yet  reached  here 
\i\ih.  their  commands.  Had  they  done  their  duty  by  advising  me  of 
tLe  approach  of  the  enemy,  1  could  have  terminated  the  fight  by 
making  it  short  and  decisive,  when,  without  such  advice,  I  was  whip- 
King  them  badly  with  my  artillery,  and,  unless  absolutely  necessary, 
lyas  not  pressing  them  with  my  cavalry.  I  had  them  entirely  sur- 
iFOunded,  and  was  driving  them  before  me,  and  was  taking  it  leisurely, 
and  trying  as  nftuch  as  possible  to  save'  my  men.  The  four  compa- 
K.i33,  on  the  appioach  of  the  enemy,  left  foi*  Tennessee  river,  and 
Ifave  not  yet  reported  here. 


467 

I  do  not  design  this,  General,  as  a  regular  report,  but  will  make 
one  as  soon  as  I  can  do  so.  Wc  crossed  the  river  at  three  points, 
and  the  brigade  is  not  yet  together,  or  reports  from  the  different  com- 
.mands  have  not  come  in.  We  have  worked,  rode  and  fought  hard, 
and,  I  hope,  accomplished  to  a  considerable  extent,  if  not  entirely, 
the  object  of  our  campaign,  as  we  drew  from  Corinth,  Grand  Junc- 
tion and  Lagrange  about  twenty  thousand  Federals.  Will  send  you 
an  additional  list  of  paroles,  etc.,  by  next  courier. 

I  am.  General,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

N.  B.  FORREST, 
Brigadier  Generaly  commanding  Brigade. 


KEPORT  OF  BRIGADIER  GENERAL  MORGAN. 

IIeadquariers  Army  ok  Kentuckv, 
CampbcUsville,  Kerducky,  December  31,  1862. 

Lientenant  Colonel  G.  W.  Brent, 

A.  A.  G.,  A.  T.,  nvd  Chief  of  Staff: 

CoLONEr- :  I  have  tbe  honor  to  report  that  thus  far  the  success  of 
this  expedition  is  complete,  and  that  every  object  that  >YaB  contorapliiteti 
has  been  attained. 

The  first  meeting  with  tbe  enemy  occurred  at  Glasgow,  Kentucky,  on 
the  24th  of  December.  My  advance  guard,  on  entering  the  town, 
shortly  after  dark,  fell  in  with  four  companies  of  the  second  Michigan 
cavalry.  A  slight  skirmish  ensued,  in  which  I  lost  three  wounded, 
two  mortally,  and  the  enemy  had  four  or  five  killed  and  wounded,  and 
€ome  twenty  taken  prisoners.  The  enemy  passed  through  town  in 
the  direction  of  Munfordsville.'  The  next  morning  I  moved  forward 
early  with  my  command.  About  ten  miles  this  side  of  Green  rivor 
a  slight  skirmish  took  place,  in  which  none  were  hurt  on  either  side, 
and  we  captured  several  prisoners.  The  next  morning  I  sent  part  of 
my  command  to  take  the  stockade  at  Bacon  creek,  while  I  moved  on 
with  the  main  boc^  to  Upton  and  Nolin.  By  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  all 
the  places  had  surrendered,  and  the  stockades  and  trestles  were  on 
fire.  That  night  I  camped  at  Nolin,  having  taken  and  paroled  some 
two  hundred  prisoners,  with  only  two  or  three  slightly  wounded  on 
my  side.  The  next  morning  I  moved  to  Elizabethtown.  On  arriving 
near  the  place,  much  to  mj  surprise,  1  was  met  by  a  flag  of  truce,  in- 
forming me  that  I  was  surrounded,  and  demanded  an  unconditional 
surrender  of  myself  and  command.  To  this  proposition  I  declined  to 
accede,  and  msde  a  counter  demand  for  an  unconditional  surrender. 
On  its  being  refused.  I  immediatel}''  began  to  shell  the  houses,  in 
■which  the  enemy  had  taken  refuge.  After  a  brisk  firing  of  three- 
quarters  of  an  hour,  froni  the  batteries  and  skirmishers,  the  place  was 
surrendered.  Eight  companies  were  taken  and  paroled.  Three 
bridges  were  burned,  and  the  entire  track,  for  miles,  set  on  fire. 

December  2Sth,  I  moved  towards  the  trestles,  about  five  and  six 
miles  from  Elizabethtown.  I  sent  Colonel  Breckinridge  and  comnrand 
towards  one  trestle,  while  1  moved  with  the  remainder  towards  the 
other.  I  sent  in  flags  of  truce  demanding  a  surrender,  which  was  de- 
clined. I  then  opened  fire,  and  after  some  shelling  and  skirmishing 
for  about  an  hour,  the  stockade  surrendered.  The  stockades,  trestles, 
and  a  quantity  of  army  stores,  were  destroyed.  About  seven  hun- 
dred prisoners  wer.e  taken  and  paroled.  No  one  on  either  side  killed 
or  wounded.  I  moved  on  that  night  to  the  Rolling  Fork,  and  camped. 
Next  morning,  just  as  the  rear  of  my  command  was  crossing  the  fork, 
the  enemy  began  shelling  me  in  the  rear.  I  immediately  threw  out 
some  six  or  seven  companies  as  skirmishers,  drove  back  their  line, 
jGinished  crossing  the  river,  and  moved  on   to  Bardstown  that  same 


469 

night.  Here  I  turned  my  course,  and  began  to  move  southward.  On 
the  morning  of  the  3()th,  I  loft  Bardstown,  and  reached  Springfield  the 
same  evening  Hearing  at  Springfield  that  there  was  a  large  force  of 
the  enemy  at  Lebanon,  I  determined  not  to  attack  them,  but  to  elado 
them  by  leaving  Lebanon  on  ray  left,  and  by  making  a  night  march, 
which  I  accomplished  successfully,  and  reached  this  point,  leaving  the 
enemy  in  my  rear  this  evening,  and  am  nov,  holding  telegraphic  com- 
munication with  him.  I  have  also  to  report  that  the  Federal  Colonel 
llalidcy,  of  the  sixth  Kentucky  cavalry,  commanding  brigade,  while 
engaged  in  picking  up  some  stragglcKiS  of  mine,  was  killed  in  a  hand 
to  hand  conflict  by  Lieutenant  Eastin,  of  my  command,  and  a  lieutenant 
accompanying  him  was  captured.  The  Federal  forces  are  now  moving 
down  i^pon  me.  They  left  Lebanon  this  P.  M.  I  leave  early  to- 
morrow morning. 

I  am,  Colonel,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  H.  MORGAN. 


EXPEDITION  TO  BRENTWOOD. 


REPORT  OF  BRIG.  GENERAL  FORREST. 


HEADQUVRTEnS   FiRST  DIVIS^O^f,   NiNTH   C.WALRV   CoRPS,  ) 

April  1,  1863.  > 

j\f  AJOR  :  I  respectfully  submi^  the  following  report  of  the  expedition 
to  Brentwood  :  " 

On  the  24th.  instant',  I  ordered  Colonel  Stanet,  commanding  soconii 
brigade,  to  proceed  with  his  command  in  the  direction  of  BrentTvood, 
leaving  Franklin  on  the  left,  and  crossing  Ilarpeth  river  at  Ilalfacre 
mills,  six  miles  east  of  Franklin,  and  to  pass  through  fields  and  by- 
roads, thence  to  Brcntw.ood ;  ordering  him  to  throw  out  a  equadroa 
on  the  pike  and  railroad  between  Brentwood  and  Franklin  ;  cutting 
the  tel. 'graph  wires  an<l  tearing  up  the  track  of  the  railroad  ;  sending 
two  regiments  forward  to  attack  tlie  stockade,  and  posting  the  bulanco 
of  the  third  Tennessee  regiment  so  as  to  cut  oiT  any  retreat  of  the 
enemy  towards  Nashville  and  Triune.  He  was  ordered  to  bring  oa 
the  attack  at  daylight  on  the  25th,  at  which  time  I  was  to  join  him  with 
General  Armstrong's  brigade,  with  the  tenth  Tennessee  cavalry  teia-' 
porarily  attached  to  his  brigade,  which  marched  on  Brentwood  via  . 
Hillshoro'  and  the  llillsboro'  pike. 

1  failed  to  reach  Brentwood  with  General  Armstrong's  coraraa'id  at 
the  appointed  hour,  owing  to  delay  in  getting  the  artillery  across 
Ilarpeth  river.  I  arrived  there,  however,  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing ;  sending  a  sqadron  of  tenth  regiment  down  the  llillsboro'  pike 
to  protect  my  rear,  and  another  to  the  left  and  rear  of  Brentwood,  to 
prevent  any  retreat  of  the  enemy  towards  Nashville,  and  give  mo 
timely  information  of  any  reinforcements  from  Nashville.  With  the 
other  six  companies  of  the  tenth  Tennessee,  as  my  escort,  I  moved  to 


472 

tho  lijjht  of  the  roai  runninj;  from  Hill'gbiro'  pike  to  Brontwoo!,.  or- 
dc.-lnj;  (jcner.il  Arui^itronn;  with  hin  brigide  an'l  ;v  8oction  of  Trmn-.m's 
atlillt-Tv  to  move  to  the  left  of  tha',  and  attack  the  Federals  at  Brent- 

V.--.':.l.    \ 

After  disposing  of  iny  troops  as  stated,  1  moved  rnpidly  on  with  my 
tsco>  t  to  the  Franklin  pikft — captured  a  Cfxirier  with  dispntchoa  to  the 
c^.-iniuij  ler  of  tlie  Fedei-al  forces  at  Franklin,  ns>irig  for  help.  I  found 
t\p  enemy  had  thrown  out  Lis  skiriniaher-s  on  the  pike,  and  on  the 
§n«'T<'nnditig  hillj?  A  fl:)g  of  truce  \ya8  sent  in,  denmiding  an  imme- 
diate an-d  unconditional  surrender. 

The  colonel  comnianding,  replied,  "we  roust  come  and  take  hira." 
By  this  time  the  other  f*ix  co.npanies  of  the  tenth  Tennessee,  com- 
Kt\nded  hy  Major  De  Moss,  had  arrived  at  the  pike.  He  was  ordered 
t<?  'iismount  hi;^  men,  and  attack  in  front,  while  messengers  were  sent 
It  Gttieral  Armstrong  to  move  up  and  <  pen  upon  them  with  his  artil- 
lery (n  the  kft  and  rear.  M;ijor  De  Moss  promptly  attacked  them. 
As  soon  as  this  was  done,  with  my  escort  1  moved  rapidly  to  the  right 
C.f  the  pike,  and  gaining  a  high  position  found  the  enemy  were  pre- 
|r^.ring  lo  make  theii'  escape  towards  Nat-hvdle.  My  escort  was  or<lered 
to  advance  to  the  pike,  and  engage  them  ;  hy  that  time  the  firing  in 
the  fiont  between  the  enemy  and  Major  De  Moss  hecauiC  general. 
The  enemy  had  been  driven  inside  of  their  works,  and  I  ordered  my 
(i.ort  to  charge  them.  Just  as  this  order  was  given,  and  General 
Aimstrong  had  taken  position  on  the  left,  the  enemy  hoisted  a  white 
Cag  and  surrendered,  with  all  arms,  baggage,  wagons,  and  equipments. 
f.  cr(lere<l  General  Armstrong  to  send  off  the  prisoners,  arms,  baggnge, 
&C.,  118  quickly  as  possible  to  the  Ilillsboro'  pike,  and  to  destroy  by 
trn  ::ll  the  tents,  camp  equipage,  &c.,,^that  could  not  bo  transported. 
V'ich  the  fourth  Mississippi  cavalry,  and  the  tenth  Tennessee,  and  the 
|;?ece  of  artillery,  1  niovetl  on  the  stockade  at  the  bridge  across  llar- 
jetli  river,  about  two  miles  south  of  Brentwood. 

After  gettifig  my  position  and  firing  one  gun,  they  surrendered. 
Yi'e  captured  theic  two  hiindred  and  seventy-five  prisoners,  eleven 
vr.g(  ns,  three  ambulances,  with  all  their  arms  and  equipments  We 
t^oved  off  as  soon  as  possible  to  the  Ilillsboro'  pike,  after  destroying 
the  railroad  bridges,  and  all  the  tents  and  supplies  which  could  not  be 
removed.  Iiefore  leaving  J>rent\vood  to  attack  the  stockade,  1  ordered 
Colonel  ]>ewis,  of  the  first  Tennessee  cavalry,  to  dash  down  the  pike 
vif.h  his  command  towards  Nashville.  He  ran  their  pickets  in  at  Brown's 
trcek,  capturing  some  negroes  and  asuttler's  wagon,  within  three  miles 
cf  the  ciiy.  He  then  turned  to  the  left  with  his  regiment,  making  a 
CJiCuit  around  Kashville,  from  the  Franklin  to  the  Charlotte  pike, 
l^vfore  the  rear  of  my  conmiand  reached  the  Hillsboro'  pike,  they  were 
fttt'v;ke.d  by  a  force  of  Federal  cavalry  ;  they  si  cceede(i  in  getting 
pcii-scssion  of  several  of  the  wagons  captured  at  the  etpckade,  but  cut 
»nd  stampetlcd  the  mules.  As  soon  as  lines  were  formed,  the  enemy 
vrere  repulsed  and  driven  back  to  Brentwood,  but  having  no  harness 
cr  toules  for  them,  several  of  the  wa^^ons  were  burnt,  and  not  knowing 
vVit  force  might  be  marching  on  us,  I  deemed  it  prudent  to  move  off 
with  the  prisoners  as  rapidly  as  possible.     1   will  here   remark  that 


•  473 

Colonel  Stanet  reached  the  stockade  at  daylight,  but  not  knowin;^  the 
force  of  the  encraj,  and  bein^j  without  artillery,  and  ignorant  of  the 
where;'.houts  of  mj  portion  of  the  comiuauJ,  moved  Over  to  the  Ililla- 
boro'  pike,  whore  ho  remained  until  after  the  capture  was  made. 

I  refor  you  to  OiTxial  report  of  killed  an  1  wounded  on  our  side, 
which  is  very  small  indeed.  Ihe  eneoiy  lost  about  fifteen  killed,  thirty 
wounded,  and  eight  hundred  prisoners.  We  captured  and  brought 
away  three  ambulances  and  harness;  nine  six-horse  wagons  and  har- 
ness ;  three  two-horse  wagons  and  harness;  six  hundred  mules,  and 
six  horses,  \>'hioh  were  placed  in  charge  of  Major  Jom.-s,  A.  .Q.  M., 
first  brigavde,  who  was  ordered  to  turn  them  over  to  the  quartet-master 
at  Columbia.  Many  of  the  men  in  the  command  who  were  unarmed 
got  guns  on  the  field,  and  many  who  had  inferior  guns,  muskets,  shot-, 
guns.  &c.,  exchanged  them  on  the  field,  placing  or  at  any  rate  so  or- 
dering, their  old  gun.s  in  the  \va;.^on3,  in  lieu  of  them. 

I  ordered  Colonel  Edmonson's  regiment  and  Sanders'  battaliv.n  to 
take  charge  of  the  prisoners  and  wagons,  and  proceed  direct  to  Colum- 
bia via  Williamsport.  With  the  balance  of  the  division  I  moved  to- 
wards Spring  Hill,  regulating  m}'^  march  so  as  to  keep  on  the  flank  of 
the  commands  with  the  prisoners,  so  as  to  meet  promptly  any  attempt 
at  recapture  by  the  enemy's  force  at  Franklin, 
liespcctfully  submitted. 

•     N.  13.  YOPAIEST,  Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  BRIG.  GENERAL  ARMSTRONG. 

IIeadquaktkks  First  Division,      > 
Spring  Hill,  Tenntssie,  April  6,  1863.  \ 

Captain  Anderson,  A.  I.  General : 

Captaix:  In  accordance  with  instructions  from  division  headquar- 
ters, I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  the  reports  of  the  several  regiments 
cf  my  brigade,  engaged  at  Brentwood.        * 

The  reports  show  which  part  was  taken  by  each  regiment.  I  have 
no  report  to  make  except  to  state  that  the  captures  Averc  all  made  by 
ray  brigade,  with  Cox's  tenth  Tennessee  regiment  temporarily  attached; 
that  no  other  brigade  was  present. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

F.  C.  ARMSTRONG, 

Brigadier  General. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  GORDON. 

Headquarters  Fourth  Reg[ment  Miss.  Cavalry,  ) 

March  28,  1863.      S 

To  Brigadier  General  F.  C.  Armstrong,  ^ 

Commanding  first  brigade  first  division  : 

General:  In  pursuance  of  orders  from  brigade  headquarters,  to 
report  the  part  performed  by  the  fourth  regiment  Mississippi  cavalry, 
in  the  expedition  to  Brentwood  station,  I  report  as  follows:  I  moved, 
with  the  division,  on  the  24th  instant,  under  Generals  Forrest  and 
Armstrong,  and  reached  the  neighborhood  of  Bientwood  about  eight 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  of  the  25th  instant  My  regiment  was  left  as  a  rear 
guard,  and  I  remained  a  halt  a  mile  in  the  rear  when  the  camp  of  the 
enemy  was  attacked.  After  its  surrender,  I  was  ordered  to  move  for- 
ward, but  to  Idavc  a  strong  rear  guard.  I  left  Captain  Parry  in  com- 
mand of  companies  B,  C,  F,  and  I,  and  moved  forward  at  a  gallop 
•with  companies  D,  G,  II,  and  K.  I  followed  the  column  in  front  of 
me,  which  form?d  in  line  of  battle  on  the  Franklin  pike. 
General  Forrest  ordered  me  to  move  off  by  the  right  flank,  and  move 
in  rear  of  the  stockade  fort  w^hich  was  in  front  of  us.  The  General 
led  the  advance  in  person,  followed  by  one  peice  of  artillery  and  my 
squadron.  I  formed  in  line  of  battle  in  rear  of  the  fort.  The  gun 
was  unlimbered,  and  after  the  firing  of  one  shot" the  fort  surrendered. 
I  was  then  ordered  by  General  Forrest  to  burn  the  railroad  bridge  and 
destroy  all  the  enemy's  camps,  and  I  loaded  all  the  wagons,  ambu- 
lances, &c.,  vith  arms  and  army  stores,  and  sent  them  off  under  a 
guard  a^  rapidly  as  possible. 

After  every  thing  was  removed  or  destroyed,  I  moved  off,  but  had 
not  proceeded  over  a  mile  when  I  learned  that  the  enemy  were  close 
upon  my  rear.  I  halted  company  D,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  H. 
L.  P.  McGce,  and  gave  the  er.emy  a  very  effective  fire,  which  emptied 
a  number  of  saddles,  and  checked  them  until  I  could  form  again  on 
the  next  hill,  and  gave  them  another  fire  from  Captain  Gaddes'  and 
Pitts'  companies,  the  latter  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Smith.  I  then 
formed  Lieutenant  McGee's  command  on  foot,  behind  a  stone  fence, 
and  gave  them  another  volley.  The  enemy  hero  charged  me  while  my 
guns  were  empty,  and  I  was  forced  to  make  a  precipitate  reti-eat. 
The  encmj's  fire  was  very  close  and  severe  at  this  point.  I  lost 
twenty  men  killed,  wounded  and  captured.  Iiow  many  were  killed,  if 
any,  I  cannot  say.  There  were  five  wounded  that  I  know  of,  four  of 
whom  were  captured.  Captain  Fall,  whose  company  had  been  sent  off 
in  squads  with  his  Lii?.utenants,  with  the  wagons,  remained  himself, 
with  about  a  dozen  men,  until  he  had  received  a  painful  wound  in  the 
foot.  Had  my  full  command  been  present,  or  if  the  regiment  in  front 
of  me  had  rallied  and  assisted  me,  I  have  no  doubt  but  that  the  ene- 
my might  have  been  easily  repulsed  with  a  handfull  of  men,  I  gave 
them  three  fires,  two  of  which  checked  them  long   enough   for  me  to 


476 

reloa«l  and  form.  And  after  the  tuird  volley,  I  ara  mortified  to  con- 
fess, I  wus  forced  by  ovenvholminf];  nuinlters  to  become  a  part  and 
parcel  of  the  disgraceful  number  who,  siampcded  in  front  of  me  with- 
out ever  firing  a  gun.  My  thanks  are  due  Lieutenant  McGee  for  the 
coolnet^s  an  1  skill  displayed  by  himself  and  comman>l,  un-ler  the  most 
disadvantag  jous  circumstances.  My  thanka  are  also  due  to  Captain 
Sinfjlev,  I  believe  of  Co.x's  rcfriraent.  who  in  vain  attempted  to  assist 
me,  but  pould  not  stop  his  men.  Although  my  regiment  contested 
every  inch  of  ground  until  pressed  by  the  foe,  and  not  a  loaded  gun 
left,  the  censure  of  other  commands  of  starnpcdiiig  falls  heavily 
upon  it.  With  a  consciou.'^ness  of  having  performed  my  duty,  and 
confident  that  justice  will  yet  be  done  my  regiment,  I  leave  its  fame 
in  the  hands  of  my  commanding  General. 

After  the  retreat  of  tlie  enemy  I  moved  on  with  the  command,  and 
reached  Spring  Hill  on  the  evening  of  the  26th  instant. 
Very  respectfully, 

JAMES  GORDON, 
Coto:':cl  commanding  f-  u.ih  regiment  Mississippi  cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  HAMED. 

Headquarters  Second  Brigade,  First  Division, 
Near  Spring  Hill,  April  6,  1S63. 

Major  C.  W.  Anderson,  yl.  A    General : 

In  obeihence  to  orders,  I  left  camp  on  the  evening  of  the  24th  of 
March,  with  Colonel  Biffle's  regiment,  part  of  Colonel  Edmondson's, 
and  the  third  Tennessee  cavalry  ref^iment,  under  command  of  Captain 
McLenion,  moving  to  the  right  of  Franklin,  and  crossing  Ilarpeth 
river,  six  miles  above,  at  Davis'  mill,  simultaneously  with  General 
Forrest,  who  passed  with  the  remainder  of  his  division  to  the  left  of 
Franklin.  It  being  intended  to  make  a  concerted  attack  upon  tlic  ab- 
olition command  at  Little  Harpeth  bridge,  and  their  forces  at  Brent- 
wood, I  crossed  the  river  at  about  midnight,  and  sent  forAvard  fifteen 
men  to  capture  the  enemy's  pickets  and  couriers.  In  attempting  this, 
sergeant  Tulloss  and  private  W.  Osburn,  of  third  Tennessee  regiment, 
were  wounded,  the  detachment  capturing  four  of  the  enemy's  horses. 
At  three  and  a  half  o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  passed  on  to  the  Wilson  turn- 
pike, and  turned  down  it  in  the  direction  of  Brentwood,  after  send- 
ing one  squadron  to  destroy  the  railroad  track  near  Mallery's  station, 
and  cut  the  telegraph  wires,  which  thsy  did  very  eflfectually  ;  and  af- 
terwards remained  on  picket  on  the  Franklin  turnpike  at  Holly  Tree 
gap.  I  sent  forward  six  companies,  under  command  cf  Captain  Mo- 
Bride,  to  take  position  behind  the  top  of  a  hill,  some  three  hundred  and 
fifty  yards  east  of  the  enemy's  encampments,  to  be  ready  for  the  at- 
tack, according  to  your  or'l^r.  I  tlien  left  Cclonel  Edmondson  with 
his  command  on  the  hill,  at  Benjamin  Smith's  blacksmith  shop,  to 
guard  my  rear,  as  my  rearguard  had  informed  me  we  were  .  fol- 
lowed by  some  Yankee  cavalry.  After  making  these  arrangements,  I 
left  the  turnpike  with  the  remainder  of  ray  command,  and  passed 
across  a  field  to  a  thicket,  about  four  hundred  yards  distant  from  the 
enemy's  encampment,  and  there  awaite<l  the  arrival  of  General  For- 
rest until  seven  and  a  half  o'clock.  Owing  to  the  weakened  condi- 
tion of  my  command,  I  did  not  deem  it  prudent  to  attack  the  stockade 
without  artillery,  as  it  was  of  great  strength  against  small  arms,  and 
I  did  not  think  that  its  capture  would  compensate  for  the  loss  I  would 
sustain  in  taking  it.  Having  given  out  General  Forrest,  I  moved 
across  the  Ilillsboro'  turnpike  without  meeting  him,  and  found  that 
he  had  passed  on  early  in  the  m.orning.  I  remained  where  he  left  the 
Hillsboro'  turnpike  for  Brentwood,  until  the  arrival  of  General  Arm- 
strong's brigade,  and  Major  De  Moss'  regiment,  who  halted  there 
with  the  prisoners.  While  there,  I  was  informed  by  my  pickets,  that 
there  was  a  foraging  train  about  two  miles  down  the  turnpike,  and 
took  Colonel  Biffle,  with  four  companies  of  his  regiment,  and  four 
companies  of  the  third  Tennessee  regiment,  and  went  in  pursuit  of 
^em.  Finding,  after  going  about  three  miles,  that  it  was  a  wood 
train  and  unattended,  I  halted  all  but  two  companies  that  went  for- 


478 

ward  after  it.  Half  an  hour  after  sending  the  two  companies  forward, 
a  courier  informed  me  that  the  enemy  had  followed  us,  and  thatCght- 
ing  was  going  on  After  sending  for  the  two  companies  that  had 
gone  forward,  I  returned  with  all  possible  speed,  and  on  coming  in 
eight,  found  that  our  forces  were  falling  back  rapidly,  and  the  enemy 
following  with  great  vigor  on  horseback  and  on  foot.  I  moved  the 
force  I  had  with  me  rapidly  on  the  enemy's  right,  and  charged  them 
with  considerable  vigor,  which  caused  them  to  fall  back  to  their  po- 
sition on  the  hill  with  great  precipitation.  They  soon  rallied  and 
commenced  to  deploy  for  a  second  attack,  and  I  dismounted  Colonel 
Bifflo's  regiment  and  part  of  the  the  third  Tennessee  regiment,  and 
moved  en  them  ;  but  finding  they  were  falling  back  too  rapidly  to  be 
followed  on  foot,  I  made  a  flank  movement  on  their  right  wing,  with 
three  companies,  under  Captain  Allison,  pouring  a  heavy  fire  into 
their  right  and  rear.  They  were  retreatihg  very  rapidly,  when'  Gen- 
eral Forrest  ordered  us  to  return.  The  casualties  on  our  side  were 
very  slight,  as  stated,  in  a  report  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
Respectfully  submitted, 

JAMES  W.  IIAMED, 
Colonel  commanding  seeond  brigade. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  LEWIS. 

Regiment  Quarters  Fikst  Tennessee  Cavalry, 
March  23,  1803. 

General:  In  obedience  to  orders  received,  I  have  the  honor  to  for- 
ward to  you  reports  of  the  part  tiiken  by  the  regiments  under  my 
command,  at  Brentwood  and  around  Nashville: 

We  were  not  engaged  with  the  enemy  at  Brentwood,  but  were  pre- 
sent at  the  capture.  Immediately  after  the  enemy  surrendered,  I 
was  ordered  by  Adjutant  Inspector  General  Ilyams  (?)  to  report  to 
3'ou,  which  I  did,  and  by  your  order  rejortedto  General  Forrest,  who 
directed  mc  to  move  rapidly  forward  in  the  direction  of  Nashville 
from  Brentwood  ;  if  possible  capture  a  lot  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
negroes,  and  other  property  I  might  find  that  belonged  to  the  enemy, 
drive  in  their  pickets,  etc.  I  moved  rapidly  in  the  direction  of  Nash- 
ville ;  found  that  the  enemy  had  been  notified  of  the  attack  upon 
Brentwood;  their  pickets  had  been  alarmed,  and  upon  our  approach, 
fled.  A  portion  of  the  regiment  galloped  up  within  two  and  half  or 
three  miles  of  Nashville,  in  phun  view  of  the  enemy's  encampments, 
near  the  city  ;  captured  a  sutler  of  the  one  hundred  and  thirteenth 
Ohio,  one  two  horse  wagon  and  teams,  and  ten  negroes,  who  were  in 
possession  of  the  enemy.  1  then  moved  across  to  the  Charlotte  pike, 
making  half  the  circuit  of  Nashville,  across  the  difTorent  turnpike  roads, 
at  a  distancc|of  three  and  a  half  to  four  miles  from  Nashville  ;  had  a  plain 
view  of  the  city  and  capitol,  and  moved  down  the  Charlotte  turnpike, 
to  a  point  eight  miles  from  Nashville,  near  the  Cumberland  river, 
where  I  remained  from  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  until  nine  o'lock,  P.  M., 
momentarily  expecting  the  arrival  of  yourself  with  General  Forrest, 
who  had  inform.ed  me  that  they  would  certainly  come  to  that  point. 
Hearing  nothing  from  you,  I  moved  off  at  nine,  P.  M.,and  arrived 
here  yesterday,  27th  instSint,  with  all  the  property  captured.  No  loss 
to  the  regiment  except  the  bad  condition  of  the  horses. 
I  have  the  honor  to  le,  your  obedient  servant, 

JAMES  H.  LEWIS, 
Colonel  commanding  first  TeTinessee  cavalry. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  DcMOSS.    • 

Camp  near  Spring  Hill,  Trnnessee,"  * 
March  28,   ISuS.  5 

Major  HiNES,  Adjutant  General, 

Armstrong  brigade  cavalry: 

Sir:  Being  temporarily  attached  to  your  brigade,  I  have  tho 
honor  to  make  the  folloAving  report  of  the  part  enacted  by  the  tenth 
Tennessee  cavalry  in  the  engagement  with  the  enemy  near  Brent- 
wood and  vicinity,  on  the  'iolh  instant : 

After  a  disagreeble  march  of  some  eighteen  miles  from  Iliils^oro', 
on  the  morning  of  the  2oth,  we  arrived  in  the  vicinity  of  Brentwood 
about  five  o'clock,  A.  M.,  when  our  regiment  was  detached  from  your 
brigade,  and  marched  under  tho  direction  of  General  Forrest  to  the 
right,  on  to  the  pike  leading  from  Brentwood  to  PVanklin,  and  we 
struck  this  pike  half  a  riiile  south  of  the  enemy's  encampment.  Here 
the  enemy's  infantry  were  discovered  in  force  in  a  skirt  of  timber  on 
the  left  of  the  pike. 

A  refusal  was  given  to  the  demand  of  a  surrender  r^adc  by  Gene- 
ral Forrest. 

Our  regiment,  being  drawn  up  inline  of  battle,  wus  ordered  to  dis- 
mount and  engage  the  cneruy  immediately.  This  was  promptly  done, 
and  a  brisk  fire  opened  upon  him,  partially  protected  by  the  trees  and 
undergrowth  on  the  slopes  as  he  was,  opposite  the  encampments.  Our 
fire  was  replied  to.  with  anim-ition,  but  our  men  continued  to  advance 
rapidly  upon  the  foe,  driving  him  from  his  shelter  to  within  the  breast- 
works, where  he  aurrendero<i  in  about  thirty  minutes  from  the  first 
fire.  Here  some  five  hundred  men  yielded  to  the  tenth  regiment.  We 
were  immediately  ordered  to  mount  and  march  upon  tho  stockade 
fort,  a  mile  and  a  half  on  the  railroad  in  the  direction  of  Franklin. 
Upon  arriving  in  range  of  the  fort,  1  ordered  my  men  to  dismount, 
and  not  being  apprized  of  the  fact  that  Major  Anderson  was  in  nego- 
tiation (under  a  flag  of  truce)  on  the  subject  of  a  surrender,  I  ordered 
a  fire  to  be  opened  upon  the  enemy  outsiac  of  the  fortifications.  A  few 
rounds  were  given  without  eliciting  a  reply,  when  a  shell  was  thrown 
from  Oapt.  Freeman's  battery,  and  speedily  a  white  flag  was  discovered, 
and  about  two  hundred  of  the  enemy  surrendered.  There  were  cap- 
tured, in  all,  some  twelve  or  fifteen  wagons  and  teams,  four  ambu- 
lances, and  a  considerable  quantity  of  arms,  army  stores,  and  medical 
supplies.  No  regiment  except  the  tenth  took  any  active  part  in  either 
engagement,  that  I  am  awaro  of.  After  destroying  the  camp  equip~ 
ments,  and  whatever  else  that  could  not  be  brought  off,  we  were  or- 
dered to  bring  up  the  rear.  Through  the  entreaties  of  Surgeon  John- 
sen,  our  regiment  was  delayed  a  few  minutes,  to  procure  an  ambu- 
lance and  get  oft"  the  wounded.  This  was  accomplished,  and  aftex 
proceeding  something  like  two  miles  froun  the  scene  of  action,  when 
suddenly  and  unexpectedly,  a  cry  was  raised  that  the  enemy  were 


481 

forcing  upon  our  rear,  by  a  company  of  stragglers  from  other  com- 
mands, who  came  dashing  headlong  through  our  re;^iinent,  eausia^ 
the  greatest  disorder  and  confusion.  Step?  were  taken  as  soon  ?•« 
possible  to  f<.rm  a  line  and  prepare  for  the  reception  of  the  foe,  hwi 
very  soon  the  panic  spread  over  the  whole  regiment,  and  all  efforts 
of  the  officers  were  unavailing  to  get  any  considerable  nuraber  ii 
battle  array. 

Among  the  most  conspicuous  in  rallying  and  encouraging  his  troops 
should  be  mentioned  Captain  Thomas  Easley,  company  G,  ivho  dis- 
played most  signal  presence  of  mind  and  courage,  and  who,  in  eord- 
pany  with  Lieutenant  Crews,  Lieutenant  B,  Powell,  privates  Joh::i 
Sargent,  Sullivan,  and  Caswell^ock,  of  Captain  Swingley's  squadron, 
and  others,  whose  names  cannot  now  be  recollected,  under  charge  cf 
our  gallant  adjutant,  Spotswood,  remained  firm  and  undaunted,  a;vJ 
joined  in  column,  led  on  by  General  Forrest,  in  routini^  and  pursuing 
the  enemy  within  sight  of  the  burning  tents  of  Brentwood. 

Our  loss,  as  appears  from  the  surgeon's  report,  is  slight,  Fir^t 
Lieutenant  A.  F,  Ne.<rbet,  company  E,  the  only  man  killed,  feii  ga)- 
lantly  leading  his  men  to  the  attack  on  Brentwood.  Five  wero 
"wounded  and  thirty-one  missing  of  the  regiment.  Of  Captain  Swing- 
.ley's  sqviadron,  temporarily  attached  to  our  regiment,  two  T7Crd 
■wounded  and  eighteen  are  missing.  Of  all  the  missing  it  is  fair  f  ■> 
conclude  that  not  more  than  a  fifth  or  sixth  fell  into  the  hands  af 
the  enemy. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

W.  E.  DeMOSS, 
31  Major  comd^g  tenth  Tenv,  cavalry. 


i 


ENGAGEMENT  AT  ARKANSAS  POST. 


llErOTJT  OF  BRia  GEN.  CHUKCHILL. 


Richmond,  Va.,  May  6,  1863. 

Lieuteuant  General  Holmf.s, 

Commanding  Department  of  Arkansas,  lAttle  Rock : 

General  :  On  the  morning  of  the  9th  of  January  I  was  in'orraed 
by  my  pickets,  stationed  at  the  mouth  of  the  cut  off,  that  the  enemy 
with  his  gun-boiits,  followed  by  his  fleet  of  seventy  or  eighty  trans- 
ports, were  passing  into  the  Arkansas  river.  It  now  became  evident 
that  their  object  was  to  attack  the  Arkansas  Post.  I  immediately  made- 
every  arrangement  to  meet  him,  and  ordered  out  the  whole  force  under- 
my  command,  numbering  about  three  thousand  effective  men,  to  take 
position  in  some  lower  trenches,  about  a  mile  and  a  quarter  below  tho 
fort.  The  second  brigade,  under  Colonel  Deshler,  and  the  third,  under 
Colonel  Dunnington,  occupied  the  works,  while  the  first  brigade,  nncTer 
Colonel  Garland,  was  held  in  reserve.  Three  companies  of  cavalry, 
under  command  of  Captains  Nutt,  Denson  and  Richardson,  wore  sent 
in  advance  to  watch  the  movements  of  the  enemy.  During  the  night 
the  enemy  effected  a  landing  about  two  miles  below  on  the  north  side 
of  the  river.  The  following  day,  about  nine  o'clock,  the  gun-boats 
commenced  moving  up  the  river,  and  opened  fire  upon  our  position. 
Having  but  one  battery  of  field  pieces  of  six  and  twelve-pounders,  I 
did  not  return  their  fire.  It  was  here  that  I  expected  the  co-opera- 
tion of  the  guns  from  the  fort ;  but  owing  to  some  defect  in  the  pow- 
der, they  were  scarcely  able  to  throw  a  shell  below  the  trenches,  much 
less  to  the  fleet.  About  two  o'clock,  discovering  that  I  was  being 
flanked  by  a  large  body  of  cavalry  and  artillery,  If  thought  it  advisa- 
ble to  fall  back  under  cover  of  the  guns  of  tha  fort  to  an  inner  line  of 
entrenchments.  The  enemy  advanced  cautiausly,  and  as  they  ap- 
proached our  lines  were  most  signally  repulif-ed.  They  made  no  fur 
ther  attempt  that  evening  to  charge  our  warks;  and  1  employed  the 
balance  of  the  time  till  next  morning  in  strengthening  my  position  - 
and  completing  my  entrenchments.  Discovering  that  a  body  of  tho- 
enemy  had  occupied  the  cabins  in  our  old  encampment,  I  ordered 
Colonel  R.  Q.  Mills,  with  his  regiment,  to  drive  them  from  the  posi- 
tion, which  he  did  most  successfully,  capturing  several  prisoners  just 


484 

9 

before  dark.  Admiral  Porter  moved  up,  Tvitli  several  of  his  iron-clads, 
tp  test  the  metal  of  our  fort.  Colonel  Dunnington,  who  commanded 
the  fort,  was  ready  in  an  instant  to  receive  them.  The  fire  opened 
and  the  fi^ht  lasted  ne;ir  two  hours';  and  finally  the  gun-boats  had  to 
fall  back  in  a  crippled  condition. 

Our  loss  was  slight;  that  of  the  enemy  much  heavier.  During  the 
night  I  received  n  telegr;iphic  dispatcli  from  you  ordering  me  to  hold 
out  till  help  arrived,  or  until  nil  are  {?)  (had;  which  order  was  com- 
municated to  brigade  commanders,  wifh  instructions  to  see  it  carried 
out  in  spirit  and  letter.  Next  morning  I  made  every  disposition  of 
ray  forces  to  meet  the  enemy  in  the  desperate  conflict  which  was  soon 
to  fvdlow.  Colonel  Deshler  with  his  brigat'e,  with  the  regiment  of 
Colonel  Dawson  attached,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Cokoiel  Hutch- 
inson, occupied  the  extreme  left;  Colonel  Garland  with  his  brigade, 
with  his  right  resting  on  the  fort,  while  Colonel  Dunnington  cora- 
imanded  the  river  defences.     It  was   near'  twelve  o'clock  before  the 

•  enemy  got  fully  into  position,  when  he  commenced  moving  upon  my 
'  lines,  simultaneou-dy  by  land  and  wacer.      Four  iron  clads  opened  upon 

the  icrt,  which  responded  with  itn  three  guns  in  gallant  style.  After 
ft'  continuous  .fire  of  near  three  hours  they  succeeded  in  silencing 
every  gun  wo  had,  with  the  exception  of  one  six-pound  Parrott  gun, 
which  was  on  the  land  side.  Two  boats  passed  up  and  opened  across 
fire  on  the  fort  end  our  lines;  still  we  maintained  thestru^igle.  Their 
attack  by  land  was  less  successful.  On  the  right  they  were  repulsed 
twice  in  attimpting  to  storm  our  works;  and  on  the  left  were  driven 
ba(jk  with  great  slaughter  no  less  than  eight  different   charges.       To 

•  defend  this  entire  line  of  rifle  pits  I  had  but  one  battery  of  field  pieces, 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Ilart,  to  whom  great  credit  is  duo  for 
thct-uf,  LSbful  manner  in  ^\hich  they  were  handled;   contending,  as  he 

'did,  with  fifty  pieces  in  his  front.  The  fort  had  now  been  silenced 
about  an  hour;  most  of  the  field  p'eces  disabled;  still  the  fire  raged 
furiously  along  the  entire  line,  and  that  gallant  band  of  Texians  and 
A-rkansians,  having  nothing  to  rely  upon  now  save  their  muskets  and 
bayonets,  etill  disdained  to  yield  to  the  overpoNAcring  foe  of  fifty  thou- 
sand men,  who  were  pressing  upon  them  from  almost  every  direction. 
Just  at  this  moment,  to  my  great  surprise,   several   white  flags  were 

•displayed  in  the  tAcnty-fourth  regiment  of  Texas  (dismounted)  cav- 
alry, first  brigade ;  and  before  it  could  be  arrested,  the  enemy  took 
ttdvantoge  of  it,  crowded  upon  my  lines,  and  not  being  prevented  by 
the  brigade  commander  from  crossing,  as  was  his  duty,  I  was  forced 
to  the  humiliating  necessity  of  surrendering  the  balance  of  the  com- 
mand. My  great  hope  was  to  keep  them  in  check  until  night,  and 
then,  if  reinforcements  did  not  reach  me,  to  cut  my  way  out.  No 
stigma  could  rest  upon  the  troops.  It  is  no  fault  of  theirs.  They 
fought  with  a  desperation  and  courage  yet  unsurpassed  in  this  war, 
find  I  hope  and  trust  that  the  traitor  will  yet  be  discovered,  brought 
to  justice,  and  suffer  the  full  penalty  of  the  law.  My  thanks  are  due 
to  Colonels  Anderson  and  Gillespie  for  the  prompt  measures  taken  to 
prevent  the  raising  the  white  flag  in  their  regiments.  In  the  second 
brigade,  commanded  hj  the  gallant  Deshler,  it  was  never  displayed. 


435. 

I  ordered  Colonel  E.  E.  ^o^tlo^k,  coramo.mling  at  St.  Charles,  to 
hasten  to  niy  relief  uilh  nhat  troops  he  coiill  spare. 

Captain  A.  Johnston  reached  the  pr.at  on  Siturday  night,  and  took 
part  in  the  action  on  the  1 1th.  Col  -nel  Portlock,  nt  tho  hjal  of  his 
rcgiincnf,  of  infantry, 'm  ido  thj  unprecedented  mirch  of  forty  miles  in 
twenly-foar  hours,  and  succeeied  in  entering  our  Hnc^  atniilsta  heavy 
fire  from  the  enemy  on  his  fl  mks,  lie  was  just  on  the  ex'e  of  bring- 
ing his  men  into  action  when  the  'surrender  took  place. 

In  no  battle  of  the  war  h'H  the  di.^parity  of  forces  been  so  great. 
The  enemy's  force  was  fully  lift}'  thousand,  when  ours  did  not  exceed 
three  thousand,  and  yet  for  two  days  did  we  signally  repulse,  and  hold 
in  check  that  immense  body  of  the  enemy.  My  loss  will  not  exceed 
sixty  killed  and  seventy-five  or  (ighty  wounded.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  was  from  fifteen  hundred  to  two  th'^usand  killed  and  wounded. 

To  the  members  of  my  staff,  M"j)r  J.  K.  P.  Campb  11,  Chief  Com- 
missary, Dr.  A.  N.  Smith, 'Chief  Surgeon,  Captain  B.  S.  Johnson, 
Adjutant  (jreneral.  Captain  D.  F.  Blackburn,  Captain  J.  G.  Gaines, 
Chief  of  Artillery,  Captain  J.  M  Rise,  Ordnance  Officer,  Captain  R. 
11.  Fitzhugh,  Engineer  Corps,  Captain  A.  J.  Little,  Signal  Corps, 
Lieutenant  A.  N.  Lanier,  Aid  de  Camp,  Captains  Farr  and  Snaith, 
voluntcep  Aid^,  and  Mr.  J.  E.  McGuirc,  my  thanks  arc  duo  for  tho 
many  valuable  service  rendered  me  on  the  battle  field. 

As  for  individual  acts  of  gallantry  1  will  rjake  more  full  mention 
hereafter. 

I  herewith  enclose  *for  your  consideraton  the  reports  of  Colonels 
Garland  and  Deshler;  that  of  Colonel  Dunnington  I  have  as  yet  been 
unable  to  obtain. 

I  have  the  honcr  to  be.  General, 

Very  resoectful'y,  your  obedient  servant', 

T.  J.  CHURCHILL, 
Brigadier  Geneiol  commanding  L.  A.  Sf  A.  P. 

On  the  above  report  was  the  following  endorsement: 

nEADQUARTPRS  Ark.\NSAS  DiSTKICT,  ) 

Litllf.  Rock,  June  8,  1863.      S 

It  is  impossible  to  imagine  better  conduct  on  the  part  of  ofiicers  and 
men,  and  it  is  a  matter  of  rej  )icing  to  me  that  ray  hasty  order  was 
rendered  nagatory  before  the  brave  Churciiill  was  reduced  to  tho 
ult\ma  ratio  cutting  his  way  through  such  immense  odds.  It  never 
occurred  to  me  when  the  order  was  sent  that  an  overpowering  com- 
mand would  be  devoted  to  an  end  so  trivial. 

Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Adjutant  and  Inspector  General. 

.    T.   H.   HOLMES,  Lieutenant  General, 


*Tlii*  roport  was  dclivorp-l  bv  Captain  Duck,  A.  A.  General.  Bri;riulier  Gi'ncral 
ChmcliilPs  division,  at  hertdii'.iai  tor- on  llio  8lh  duy  of  Jiin<\  IS^'.'J.  Tho  rtj)orls  of 
Colonels  G^irlaiul  and  Diislilcr  meulioned  as  enclosed  were;  not  dilivcreJ. 

W.   Ji.  15LMli,  A.  A.  A.  a. 
.    Headquarter!)  Diviston  of  Arkansas,  "» 
LitUe  Hock,  June  8,  1»()3.      J 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  CORPUS  CHRISTI. 


IIEPORT  OF  I^Ria  GEN.  IT.  P.  BEE. 


Headquarters  Sub-Mllitary  Distkict  of  thk  Rio  Grandc, 
Corpus  CkrUti,  August  26,  18G3. 

Captain  C.  M.  Mason, 

A.  ui.  G.,  Department  of  Texas  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  I  proceeded  to  v/ithia  four 
miles  of  the  anchorage  of  the  fleet  of  the  enemy  on  yesterday,  ar.:l 
except  witnessing  the  arrival  of  a  large  schooner  from  sea.,  found  th-a 
fleet  all  quiet.  There  are  now  eight  vessels,  of  all  sizes,  lying  v^itb.in 
the  -har  at  Aransas  Pass.  It  was  impossible  to  ascertain  anything 
about  the  new  arrival.  She  seemed  to  be  a  large  merchant  schooaer, 
probably  loaded  with  supplies  and  men,  but  may  be  a  mortar  boat.  I 
have  sent  a  spy  on  to  ?»Iu3tang  island,  to  ascertain  her  character,  anl 
hope  to  report  it  for  this  mail.  There  has  been  no  movement  by  tbtj 
enemy  since  their  repulse  from  this  place.  The  steamer  wa3  much 
injured,  as  her  sterim  pumps  were  heard  during  the  day  and  nigbfc 
she  consumed  in  passing  through  the  canal.  I  examined  the  ehell 
bank,  and  found  that  it  would  be  untenable,  even  if  cannon  coul'J  h3 
placed  on  it,  whicli,  from  it-^  proximity  to  the  fleet,  and  in  full  view 
of  them,  would  be  impossible,  it  being  three  miles  from  water,  anJ 
the  guns  of  the  enemy  covering  its  approach.  Nor  is  there  any  other 
point  adjacent  to  the  canal,  on  which  guns  can  be  erected,  owing  to 
the  low,  marshy  approaches;  therefore,  all  hope  of  defending  the  nar- 
row bayou  and  Canal  must  be  abandoned.  Ttie  obstructions  placsiJI 
there  proved  no  obstacle,  as  with  the  steam  power  of  their  boat  thej 
"were  easily  removed.  I  am  making  another  effort  to  sink  rnore  per- 
manent obstructions,  which,  if  successful,  will  prevent  at  least  a^^y 
sudden  attack,  but  if  unsuccessful,  forces  me  to  rely  on  the  naturally 
Strong  position  of  this  place  for  its  defence.     The  battery  used  in  the 


4S8 

Uie  figlitcn  the  north  side  of  the  town,  was  thrown  up  by  General  Tiy- 
\^i,  in  IS4i>,  of  shell  and  sand,  which  beintr  sclid  nnd  impenetrable  to 
tbirt""'  two  pound  shot,  has   provod   an    admirablo  defence.      Another 
work,  of  sitnibir  chnracter,  is  now  complete  on  (he  south  fide  of   the 
town,  both  beinir  g^n  the  water's  cd;]:e.     1  shall  at  once  erect  another 
cu  Ibc  bli:fr  ovorloolvrng  the  water-  biUteries,  and  distant  Fay  four  hun- 
d*o'.  j;jrd-j,  which,  complcfed,  will  be  all   that  can  be  done.     I  found 
giO.it  confusion  existing  in  the  qirirtermaster,  commissary,  and  ord- 
nance departments  here,  owin;;  to  the  inexperience  of  the  officer?  ;  nnd 
d-ouiii':^  it  indispensable  for  the  public  intere.t,  1  have  appointed  H, 
A.  Gilpin,  who  distinguished  himself  in  the  late  engagement,  and  is  a 
Lian  of  experience  and  business  habits,  to  act  as  quartermaster  and 
C  tiirir.isary  at  this  point,  subject  t<i  the  approval  of  the  General  cora- 
iTinnd-.ng,  and  rcppectfuliy  recjuest  that  the  appointment  may  be  ron- 
firn;cd.     I  have  also  appointed,  subject  to  like  approval,  II.  Ijlncher, 
major  of  engineers,  and  charged  him  with  the  erection  of  the  necepsavyt 
defences  of  tbi.s  places,     lie  iS  a  nephew  of  Marshal  Blucher,  and  .an 
C^^tioated  Roldier,  and  as  civil  engineer  has  resided  many  years  at  thia 
r'-'C?.     The  services  of   ]M;ijov    Blucher  were    indij-pensable.  and   tho 
rank  wijs  temporarily  given  him  to  facilirate  his  labors.     With  grofit 
fifttisfaclion,  I  teh-lered  to  Mr.  William  Mann  the  position  of  captain 
cf  artillery,  vacated  by  the  dcclinsion  of   Captain  Lovenskiold.     Thia 
mark  of  ray  appreciation  of  his  gallant  services,  I  felt  satisfied,  would 
ixicet  the  approval  of   the  General  commanding;  but  ho  declines  the 
C:i:unil:-.'::ion,  owing  to  the  shatteie  1  state  of  his  health,  from  exposure 
fit  Island  No.  H).      But  ho  accepts  tiio  position  temporarily,  and  will 
Coaimand  his  battery  until  this  emergency  passes  over,  when  he  will 
retire.     Captain  Willkie's  battery   of  light  artillery,  from   Ringold 
E«r:aclvS,  will  be  here  to-morrow.      His  gun!»  are  four  twelve  and  two 
tv/cnty-four  pound  howitzers,  and  will  a  hi  uiaterially  to  our  defences; 
I  jfc  the  fact  of  his  company  being  well  drilled  artillerists,  is  the  most 
I'^'.Gant  reflection  attending  his  arrival.     A  delay  of  a  few  more  days 
cr..  the  part  of  the  enemy,  which   seems   probable,  will   enable  rue  to 
ir.oct  bim  with  satisfactory  results. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

H.  P.  BEE.  BHgofticr  Gercral  P.  A., 
Commanding  .SubBlililnry  Disfii  t  of  the  Rio  Grande. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  BLUCIIER. 

Corpus  Christi,  October  \5,  18G2. 

Major  E.  II.  Guay, 

A.  A.  A.  GcriCral,  suh-miliLary  dhiricl  cf  the  Rio  Gravde  : 

Srii :  Incompliance  vrith  special  orders  number  -ilG,  from  hcnd- 
qaartcra  of  this  military  district,  I  bavc  strengthened  and  repaired 
the  oM  battery,  on  the  north  side  of  this  city,  constructed  a  traverso 
sixty  feet  long,  for  protection  of  its  armament  against  any  attempt  to 
enfilade  it.  from  the  north  ?ide.  The  old  platform?,  to  the  number  of 
three,  have  been  properly  leveled  and  thoroughly  repaired,  and  two 
odditional  ones  constructed  ;  four  pieces,  one  an  eightcen-poundir 
•lege  gun,  one  twelve- pounder  sicgegun,  both  on  field  carriages,  and 
two  twelve-ponnder  ^hip  guns,  are  now  mounted  in  said  battery.  A 
subterranerus  magazine,  six  feet  by  eight,  and  w-ell  projected,  suffici- 
ently large  to  hold  ammunition  for  one  day's  fight,  has  iTeen  con- 
structed, thirty-five  yards  in  the  rear  of,  and  fully  protected  by,  Iho 
emhankmr^nt ;  a  veil,  equally  well  protected  and  affording  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  good  water,  has  been  dug.  On  the  south  side  of  the  city, 
1  have  constructed  a  very  strong  water  battery,  with  plufforms  for 
four  guns,  a  rangazine  six  feet  b)'  eight,  and  a  well,  peifectly  pro- 
tected, and  affor.'iing  an  abundance  of  good  water.  The  magazine  in 
this  battery  is  not  as  well  protected  as  might  bo  desired,  owing  to  the 
circumstance  that  water  is  encountered  here  within  three  feet  of  the 
surface,  thus  preventing  me  from  constructing  a  subterraneous  mag- 
azine. Two  twenty-four  pounder  hoAvitzors  arc  at  present  mounted  in 
this  battery,  which  is  designated  on  the  sketch  as  B,  number  2.  On  the 
bluff,  two  batteries  have  been  constructed,  entirely  sunk  into  tho 
gruund,  and  using  the  face  of  the  bluff,  to  the  thickness  of  sixty  feet, 
as  epaulement.  In  the  battery  near  tho  flag-staff,  two  twenty-four 
pounder  siege  guns,  in  field  carriages,  arc  mounted  on  very  sul  stan- 
tial  plitform^ ;  a  cistern  of  concrete,  fifty  yards  in  the  rear,  lias  beerr 
transformed  into  a  well  protected  magazine.  This  battery  is  desig- 
nated ir\  the  sketch  as  B,  number  3.  In  the  battery  B,  number  4, 
on  the  bluff,  south  of  the  city,  one  long  eighteen  pounder,  on  a  case- 
mate carriage  cf  very  clumsy  constiuction,  is  mounted.  The  maga- 
zine is  at  tho  south  end  of  the  battery,  entirely  subterraneous,  and 
perfectly  protected.  I  beg  leave  to  suggest  that  a  suitable  barbetto 
carriage  be  constructed  for  this  piece,  as  it  is  unmanageable  in  its 
present  condition.  In  compliance  with  order  number  4)7,1  have 
constructed  a  causeway  on  floating  piles,  across  the  bayou,  separat;ing 
the  Rincoa  from  the  main  land  north  of  the  city,  it  being  impossible 
to  obtain  lumber  of  suitable  dimensions  for  the  construction  of  a 
bridge.  The  causeway  is  sufficiently  large  and  located  ia  such  a 
place  as  to  enable  caviilry  and  artillery- to  pass  into  the  liincon,  with- 
out having  to  traverse  marshy  ground,  and  exposing  them  only  for  a 
very  short  distance  to  the  fire  j"rom   vessels  in  the  bay.     I  had  also 


490 

received  a  verbal  order  from  Major  E.  F.  Gray,  then  comrnanding  officer 
at  this  post,  to  transform  into  a  powder  magazine  a  lime  kiln,  claimed 
by  one  James  McMartin.  Upon  my  commencing  the  work,  this  per- 
son objected  to  my  taking  possession  of  the  kiln,  unless  I  paid  him 
one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  which  he  considered  the  value  of  his 
kiln.  1  reported  this  diriiculty  to  Captain  Willkie,  who  had  succeeded 
Major  Gray  as  commanding  officer  at  the  post ;  several  conversations 
were  had  about  this  matter,  but  no  a.ction  taken.  When  iMajor  Shea 
assumed  command  at  this  post,  I  agi^ia  submitted  this  matter.  Wo 
examined  the  lime  kiln  together,  and  cs  ihe  price  asked  appeared  ex- 
orbitant, and  ihe  size  and  shape  of  the  kiln  insufficient  and  unsuita- 
ble, it  has  not  been  taken  possession  of.  I  would  recommend  that  a 
new  and  substantial  powder  magazine,  of  sufficient  dimensions,  be 
constructed,  the  cost  of  which  will  not  e.Kceed  three  hundred  and  fifty 
dollars.  The  lumber  and  most  of  the  nails  required  for  the  construc- 
tion of  the  works  hereinbefore  enumerated,  had  to  be  obtained  ia 
small  quantities  from  different  persons,  and  by  appropriating  several 
unoccupied  buildings,  which  was  done  with  the  approval  of  the  com- 
rnanding officer.  The  statement  herewith  submitted  and  marked  C, 
shows  the  amount  of  purchases  made  for  this  purpose,  and  remaining 
unpaid.  The  tools,  such  as  spades,  shovels,  pickaxes,  etc  ,  etc.,  ne- 
cessary for  the  work,  I  had  to  borrow,  on  my  own  responsibility,  from 
the  citizens  of  this  town.  Some  of  the  articles  have  been  destroyed, 
ar.d  a  fev  stolen  in  the  course  of  the  work,  for  which  a  compcnj-ation 
is  due  them,  as  per  statement  herewith  submitted,  and  maiked  D,  I 
beg  herev.iih  to  submit  a  sketch  of  the  city  of  Corpus  Chrisii  and  vi- 
cinity, showing  the  localities,  the  position  of  our  troops,  and  the  en 
eray's  vessels,  at  different  periods  of  the  engigement,  and  the  princi- 
pal directions  of  their  fire  All  of  which  is  respocifully  submitted. 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain,  sir,  your  obedient  servant. 

FELIX  A.  BLUCIIER. 
A  true  copy : 

E.  F,  Gray,  Mpjor  and  A.  A.  A.  G. 


'    REPORT  OF  MAJOR  HOBLY. 

HeADQUxVRTERS   SLfB-M(LITARV  DISTRICT  OK  CoRPUS  CilRISTI, 

Corpus  Christi,  August  16,  1862. 

Major  E..F,  Gray,  A.  A.  A.  G.,  San  Antonio  : 

Sir  :  la  my  communication  of  yesterday  I  reported  the  arrival  of 
four  Federal  vessels  in  Corpus  Christi  bay,  (they  having  removed  the 
obstructions  placed  in  the  ship  channel,) — the  yachts  Corethius,  Rein- 
daer,  Belle  Italia,  and  Steamboat.  The  yachts  appeared  off  Inglesido 
at  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  chasing  the  *'  Breaker,"  a  pilot-boat  in  the 
Confederate  service,  which  was  just  returning  from  a  reconnoitering 
expedition,  with  a  detachment  of  men  under  Captain  B.  G.  Jones. 
To  prevent  her  capture  by  the  enemy,  she  was  run  on  shore  at  Indian 
Point,  and  the  reconnoitering  party  effected  their  escape.  The  Breaker 
was  fired  some  distance  from  shore,  but  unfortunately  not  in  time  to 
prevent  her  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  who  extinguish- 
ed the  flames.     Eleven  shots  were  fired  at  her  during  the  chase. 

The  Breaker  is  a  small  boat,  carrying  a  crew  of  three  men.  The 
yacht  then  steered  for  Corpus  Christi,  standing  close  along  the  shore, 
and  fired  a  shot  at  a  detachment  of  Captain  jMcCampbell's  company, 
hauliog  a  boat  upon  the  beach.  She  came  to  anchor  opposite  the  city,  • 
and  was  joined  during  the  night  by  the  remainder  of  the  fleet.  At 
nine  o'clock  this  morning  Captain  Kelridge,  in  a  launch,  approached 
the  wharf  with  a  flag  of  truce,  at  which  point  I  met  him.  He  in- 
formed rne  that  he  had  been  ordered  by  the  Utitcd  States  Government 
to  examine  the  public  buildings  in  the  city,  and  make  an  official  re- 
port of  their  condition.  I  informed  him  that  the  United  States  Gov- 
ernment owned  no  property  in  Corpus  Christi,  and  that  he  should  not 
be  allowed  to  land.  He  replied  that  it  was  his  prerogative  to  lan.l 
when  and  where  he  pleased,  under  what  he  called  the  national  ensign. 
I  told  him  the  Confederate  Government  recognized  no  such  right,  and 
I  was  here  to  prevent  him  from  placing  his  foot  upon  our  soil.  He 
then  desired  to  accompany  me  ashore,  or  go  alone,  unler  a  white  flag. 
Every  proposition  to  land,  under  whatever  pretext,  vfas  peremptorily 
rejected.  He  then  demandeil  that  the  women  and  children  should  be 
removed  beyond  the  limits  of  the  town  in  twenty-four  hours,  as  he 
intended  to  land  with  a  force   and  execute   his  orders.     I  deraanded 

.  forty-eig'it  hours,  which  was  finally  agreed  upon.  He  rcfjuested  that 
the  matter  agiin  be  again  taken  into  consideration.  The  second  in- 
terview resulted  as  did  the  first.  One  of  the  conditions  of  the  armis- 
tice was  that  the  forty-eight  hours  be  exclusively  devoted  to  the  re- 
moval of  the  families  from  tovn,  which  I  strictlj'  complied  with. 
On  the  evening  of  the  I  Jth,  the  Federal  fleet  took  position  opposite 

.  the  northern  suburbs  of  the  city,  in  line  of  battle,  within  range  from 
the  shore.  '  ImraeJiately  after  dark  I  planted  a  battery  of  two  guns — 
a  twelve  and  eighteen  pounder — behind  a  strong  fortification,  near  the 
water's  edge,  and  supported  it  by  adctaahment  from  Captain  Ireland's 


492 

company,  of  my  battalion,  thcj  furni^hinj;  also  an  extra  detachment 
to  move  the  guns. 

At  (Jaylij^tit  on  the  lOfh  Ave  opened  <jn  the  enemy.  Si.x  j-h'.t:*  were 
fired  at  the  fleet  before  tlisy  replied.  'J  he  enetny  sludle  I  the  bat- 
tery  and  the  town  furiously,  doini;,  however,  but  little  damage.  At 
nine  o'clock  v,c  drove  him  from  his  'po<«ition.  Beyond  the  reach  of 
our  j[Tun3  I'.e  rep:iired  damages,  and  mended  sails  rent  by  our  shot. 
At  thr.c  o'clock  he  agiiin  returned,  and  when  within  reach  of  our 
battery  if  opf»ned  upon  h.im,  striking  botii  yachts  and  steamer,  and 
compelled  them  to  withdraw.  Heyond  the  reach  of  our  guns,  they 
contented  themselves  with  shelling  the  battery  during  the  remainder 
of  the  d;iy. 

INIr.  Wm.  Mann  volunteered  his  services  in  the  battery;  and  T  placed 
liirn  in  charge  of  the  guns.  B7  his  coolness,  courage  an<l  juili;;nent, 
he  elicited  tlie  admiration  of  all;  and  1  herein  acknowledge  tlic  value 
of  his  services  in  our  gal'ant  attack  upon  the  enemy's  boastcij  gun- 
boats. With  guns  of  inferior  calibre,  and  a  sriialler  forco  than  their 
own,  they  were  twice  driven  from  their  position,  an'^  resulted  m  Jheir 
discomfiture  Five  shots  were  seen  to  do  cxcouiiuii.  'ihe  enemy 
fired  two  hundred  and  ninety-six  times.  The  casua'iios  oti  on"-  side 
were  irconsidcrable.  Private  Steines,  of  Captain  Ireland's  company, 
was  wounded  in  the  head  by  a  spent  ball.  To  Jiidgc  ('ilpin  and  Ma- 
jor Blucher  [am  indebted  for  valuable  services.  To-night  all  is  quiet. 
We  <lo  no'.  need  more  troops. 

1  have  the  hoi.or  to  be,  very  rfspecl fully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

A    I\I.  IIOBLY, 
Major  commanding. 


RErORT  OF  MAJOR,  IIOBLY. 

Headquarters  Corpus  Christt,  Texas,  ) 
August  18,  1 86 2.       i 

Major  E.  F.  Gray,  A.  A.  A.  G.,  San  Antonio,  Texas  : 

S'ir:  Oil  the  moruini^  of  the  18th  the  enemy  again  opened  on  our 
battery,  bringin";  Ijis  Avliole  force  to  bear  upon  it.  Failing  to  silence 
our  guns,  a.  portion  of  ihe  ll'?et  with'lrew,  and  landed  a  tsvelve-pounder 
rifled  gun,  supported  by  thirty  or  forty  well  armed  men,  who  ap- 
proached our  battery  by  the  track,  close  under  cover  of  their  gun- 
boats, firing  continuously.  They  attempted  to  enfilade  our  battery, 
the  balls  passing  just  above  our  entrenchments.  I  immediately  or- 
dered twenty-five  men  to  charge  the  gun,  which  they  did  in  gallant 
Style.  When  from  under  cover  of  the  breastworks  they  entered  an 
open  field,  and  rapidly  neared  the  gun.  The  gunboats  of  the  enemy 
opened  a  heavy  fi^re  upon  them.  Uiidaunted,  they  pressed  on,  and 
when  within  range  of  email  arms  I  ordered  them  to  tire,  which  they 
did,  still  advancing,  the  enemy  in  the  meantime  retreating  in  double- 
quick,  carrying  with  them  their  gun. 

They  left,  in  their  retreat,  their  ammunition  box,  hatchet,  rat-tail 
files — intended,  I  presume,  to  spike  our  guns — a  hat,  and  rifle  car- 
tridges scattered  along  the  road.  We  chased  them  to  their  gjuiboats, 
to  which  they  retreated  without  delay.  Whenever  a  ball  from  the 
battery  would  strike  the  boats  of  the  enemy,  they  Avould  rise  and  cheer, 
regardkss  of  the  fire  to  which  they  were  exposed.  The  enemy  Avith- 
drew,  and  takirg  position  in  front  of  the  city,  revenged  themselves 
upon  unoffending  houses.  A  few  shot  drove  them  off,  and  on  the  fol- 
lowing morning  they  stood  away  for  Aransas  Pass. 

Our  loss  in  the  engagement  was  one  killed — private  Henry  Mote, 
of  Captain  R.  E.  Jones'  company,  lie  was  shot  through  the  head, 
among  the  foremost  in  the  charge.  Captain  Wall's  fine  cavalry  com- 
pany was  present,  and  eager  for  the  fray, 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant,  • 

A.  M.  HOBLY, 
Major  commanding. 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  J.  AY  AC  A. 


REPORT  OF  BRIG.  GEN.  H.  P.  BEE. 


Headquarters  Sub-Military  District  of  the  Rio  Grande,  } 
San  Antonio,  November  15,  18C;:i.      ^ 

Captain  S.  B.  Davis, 

A.  A.  General  J  First  District  of  Texas, 

Sin  Antonio : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  enclose  an  official  dispatch  from  Major  D, 
D.  Shea,  P.  A.  C.  6.,  commanding  the  forces  at  Lavaca,  reporting  tho 
bombardment  by  the  gunboats  of  the  enemy,  of  that  city,  on  the  31st 
ultimo  and  1st  instant,  and  their  repulse. 

It  gives  me  great  satisfaction  to  call  the  attention  of  the  General 
commanding  to  the  gallantry  of  Major  Shea  and  his  command.  Al- 
though his  ranks  had  been  decimated  by  the  yellow  fever,  hi^  means 
of  defence  limited,  and  the  force  of  the  enemy  far  superior  in  guna 
and  calibre,  yet  sustained  by  patriotism  and  courage,  he  compelled 
the  enemy  to  retire. 

I  would  especially  call  the  attention  of  the  General  commanding 
to  the  barbarous  conduct  of  the  abolitionists  in  allowing  one  hour 
and  a  hiilf  to  remove  the  women  and  children,  the  sick  and  dying, 
from  the  town  of  Lavaca.  I  think  I  am  warranted  in  saying  that 
it  was  the  most  atrocious  of  all  the  acts  which  have  so  marked  their 
conduct  in  this  war,  and  retributive  justice  but  claimed  her  right 
when,  defeated  and  injured,  they  slunk  back  whence  they  came. 

The  patriotism  and  love  of  country  displayed  by  the  citizens  of 
Lavaca,  who  willingly  gave  up  their  homes  to  destruction  rather  than 
that  the  enemy  should  land,  is  worthy  of  all  praise,  and  will  serve  as 
a  bright  example  to  their  fellow  countrymen. 


496 

T  have  received  information  that  one  of  the  heavy  guns  of  the  ene- 
my burst  on  the  forty-first  round,  doing  great  damage,  but  to  >vhat 
extent  ifi  not  known. 

The  abolition  fleet  has  retired  from  the  waters  of  Lavaca  Bay,  the 
objects  of  their  visit  being  entirely  frustrated. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

H.  P.  BEE, 
Brigadier  General,  P.  A.  C.  S. 


REPOr(T  OF  MAJOR  SHEA. 

Hr.Amit'A  ar'/.Ks  IjAVava,  Tkxas,  > 
November  1,  18G2.      ] 

Major  E.  F.  Ghav.  A.  A.  A.  General, 

San  Antonio,  Texas  : 

Sin*  By  order  of  IMajor  Dan.  D.  Shea.  comnjiin(Iing*fhis  post,  1 
have  the  honor  to  make,  for  ihe. information  of  the  General  command- 
ing this  district,  the  following  report  of  an  engagement. between  tho 
Federal  steamers  and  the  batteries  at  this  point. 

On  the  morning  of  tho  31st  October,  two  Federal  stcsmiers  appeared 
in  sight,  evidently  steering  for  this  place.  About  eleven  o'clock,  A, 
M.,  they  arrived  within  a  short  (distance,  when  they  cast  a'nchor.  Aty« 
one  o'clock,  I'.  M.,  they  font  a  boat  with,  a  flag  of  truce  on  shore, 
which  was  act  by  JLijor  Shcia,  accompanied-  by  four  of  the  citizens 
of  the  town.  A  short  interview  succeeded,  durin^g  .which  a  deraan  i 
was  made  for  the  surreniier  of  the  town.  They  wftre  answered  by 
the  commanding  officer,  that  he  was  there  to*defend  it,  and  should  do 
%o  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  with  all  the  ine:in3  he  had  at  hand!"  A 
demand  was  then  made  for  time  to  remove  the  women,  children,  and. 
sick  persons  from  tuAvn  ;  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  flag  replied  that 
one  hour  was  the  time  he  was  authorized  to  grant,  but  iu  cnnsideratiou 
of  the  fact  that  an  epidemic  (yellow  fever)  was  still  raging  iu  the 
town,  he  "^oixld  extend  the  time  to  one  hour  and  a  half. 

At  the  expiration  of  this  period  they  moved  up  abreast  the  town, 
Rnd  opened  fire  from  both  steamers  upon  both  the  town  and  batteries. 
At  this  time  there  were  many  women  and  children  still  in  the  place, 
they  having  been  unable  (for  want  of  time)'  to  leave.  Our  batteries 
promptly  returned  their  fire.  Captain  Vernon  commanded  one  of  the 
batteries,  assisted  by  Lieutenant  Woodward  ;  and  Captain  Reuss,  as- 
sisted by  Lieutenants  Schnaubert  and  French,  the  other,  and  nobly 
did  both  officers  and  men  perform  their  duty,  working  their  gun3 
}J8  coolly  as  though  on  inspection,  while  a  perfect  storm  of  shot  and 
shell  rained  arouud'them,  and  this,  although  yellow  fever  had  decim- 
ated their  ranks,  and  that  many  of  the  men  who  manned  the  batteries 
had  but  partially  recovered  from  the  fever,  entitles  them  to  the  highest 
praise.  The  steamers  were  struck  several  times,  and  one  of  them 
partially  disabled,  as  they  iinniediately  steamed  off^out  of  range  of 
our  batteries,  where  they  again  cast  anchor,  and  Jcept  up  a  steady  fire 
upon  the  town  and  batteries,  until  night  shut  in. 

On  the  next  morning,  November  Ist,  they  again  opened  fire  upon 
the  town  and  batteries,  but  owing  to  their  being  entirely  out  of  range 
of  our  guns,-  we  did  not  reply  to  them.  At  about  eleven  o'clock,  A. 
M.,  they  ceased  their  fire,  and  steamed  down  the  bay  in  the  direction 
of  Indianola,  having  in  tow  the  &teamer  Lecompt,  which  they  had 
captured  in  the  bay,  a  few  days  before.  One  of  the  steamers  went 
outside  the  bar,  and  steered  in  the  direction  of  Galveston,  probably 
3i    ■ 


498 

for  ft  mortar  boat,  or  some  other  additional  force  to  assist  them.  ]  am 
gUd  to  report  that  no  lives  were  lost  on  our  side,  but  the  enemy  sue-* 
ceedc-d  fn  doi^ig  considerable  damage  to  the  town,  tearing  up  the 
pt-yects  arfl  riddiing*the  houses,  and  othemvise  daras'ginf^ .  the  place'. 
The  enemy  fired  in  ail  two  hundred  and  fifty-two  shot  nnd  shel],  ono 
h;,ncircd  and  seventy-four  the  fir&t  day.  and  seventy-c'ght  the  second, 
rjarly  sll  of  thcra  from  thirty-two  and  pixty-four)>oam!cr  rifled  ^uns. 
Cp-ptain  H.  WiUkie,  acting  ordnance  officer,  rendered  very  efficient 
BOiviceJn  keeping  the  batteries  supplied  with  ammunition,  and  freely 
C-tposing  hirri^ilf  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  The  citizens  of  the 
tovtn  acted  nobly,  particularly  Mr.  Dunn  and  Mr.  Charles  Ogiesbury, 
(who  remained  in  the  town  and  materially  ar-sisted  the  commanding 
off.cer,)  suffering  their  property  to  be  destroyed  '\fithout  a  murmer, 
Bsd  only  regretting  they  could  do  no  more  to  serve  thcir*country. 
The  ladies  of  the  place,. among  whom  Mrs.  Ghesley  and  Mrs.  Dunn, 
»n'.l  the  two* beautiful  and  accomplished  daughters  of  the  former,  bore 
a£onspicious  part — acted  the  pait  (f  true  southern  heroines,  supply- 
ing our  tired  soldiers  with  coft'tJe,  bread  and  meat,  even  during  the 
thickest  of  the  fight. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
'  .  GEORGE  E.  00^ KLIN, 

Lieutenant  and  Adjutant. 
A-  t.iue  copy  : 

E.  F.  Gkay,  Mttjor  Sf  A.  A,  A.  Gineral. 


^«;    „ 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  IlAirillET  LANE. 


REPORT  OF   MAJ.  GEN.  MAGRUDER. 


Headquarters  Eastern  Sub  District  of  Texas,  ) 
Houston^  January  1,  1863.      5 

General  S.  Coopkr, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  Richmond,  Va.: 

General  :  By  order  of  Major  General  J.  Banklioad  Magruder,  com- 
manding district  of  Texas,  I  hare  the  honor  to  forward  to  you  a  copy 
of  his  ofiicial  dispatch,  telegraphed  to  me  this  day,  at  six  o'clock,  P. 
M.,  announcing  our  glorious  victory  over  the  naval  and  land  forces 
of  the  United  States  at  Galveston,  Texas. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  IIYLLESTED,  Major  Louisiana  Zomves, 
Provost  Marshal  General,  co^nmanding  Eastern  Militarxj  DisHy  Texas. 


Headquarters  Galveston,  Texas,  Jan.  1,  1863. 

To  General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  Richmond^  Va.:     ' 

General:  This  morning,  the  1st  of  January,  at  three  o'clock,  I 
attacked  the  enemy's  fleet  and  garrison  at  this  place,  and  captured  the 
latter,  and  the  steamer  Harriet  Lane,  two  barques  and  a  schooner,  of 
the  former.  The  rest,  some  four  (4)  or  five  (5)  in  number,  escaped 
ignominiously  under  coyer  of  a  flag  of  truce.  I  have  about  six  hundred 
prisoners,  and  a  large  quantity  of  valuable  stores,  arms,  etc.  The 
Harriet  Lane  is  very  little  injured.  She  was  carried  by  boarding, 
from  two  high  pressure  cotton  steamers,  manned  by  Texas  cayalry 


500 

and  artillery.  The  line  troops  were  gallantly  commanded  by  Colonel 
Thomas  Green,  of  Sibley's  brigade,  and  the  ships  and  artillery  by 
Major  Leon  Smith,  to  Atliose  indomitable  energy  and  heroic  daring, 
the  country  is  indebt^cd  for  the  successful  execution  of  a  plan  which  I 
had'  conceived  for  the  destruction  of  the  enemy's  fleet.  Colonel 
Bagby,  of  Sibley's  brigade,  also  commanded  the  volunteers  from  his 
regiment  for  the  naval  expedition,  in  which  every  officer  and  every 
man  won  for  himself  imperishable  renown. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  BANKIIEAD  MAGRUDER,  Major  General, 
Commanding  Department  District  Texas,  Ncxc  Mexico  arid  Arizona. 

»A  correct  copy  of  telegram,  received  January   1,  1863,  six  P.  M. 
W.  Hyllest£r,  3Ioj.  La.  Zouaves,  Froxmst  Marshal  Gen.  Dis. 

of  Texas,  commanding  Hasiern  Sub  Military  District. 

January  3,  1863. 

P.  S.^— Commodore  Renshaw's  flag-ship,  the  Westfield,  was  blown 
^p  by  him,  to  avoid  capture.  Her  armair.ent,  however,  is  now  being 
brought  up  from  the  wiiter  uninjured.  A  small  steam  propeller  was 
80  mucl\  injured,  while  going  out  under  a  flag  of  truce,  that  she  is  re- 
ported to  have  sunk  on  the  bar.  Thus  the  enemy  only  saved  three 
vessels  out  of  a  fleet  of  eight  vessels. 

J.  B.  M.,  Major  General  commanding. 
•Ofl5cial:  ■  '  ' 

H.  M.  Stanard,  A.  D.  C. 

4* 


Headquarters  Distiuct  ok  Texas,  Nkw  Mexico  and  Arizona,  f 

Galveston,  Texas,  January  2,  1863.      ji 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General  C.  S.  A.: 

Sir  :  I  forgot  to  mention  in  my  report  that  the  Westfield,  the  flag- 
ship of  Commodore  R^nshaw,  was  run  ashore  during  the  fight,  and 
blown  up.  The  fleet  consisted  of  the  Harriet  Lane,  the  Westfield, 
the  Owasco,  the  Clifton,  the  Sachem,"  two  barques  and  a  schooner. 
The  Owasco,  the  Clifton,  and  the  Sachem  escaped  under  flag  of  truce  ; 
80  that  the  harbor  of  Galveston  was  entered  under  a  flag  of  truce,  and 
left  by  the  same  flagrant  violation  of  military  propriety.  We  cap- 
tured one  heavy  rifle  gun,  and  the  guns  of  the  VVestfield  will  be  raised; 
and,  it  is  hoped,  will  soon  be  in  our  use. 

I  have  ascertained,  upon  further  inquiry,  that  the  number  of  pris- 
onerS  who  fell  into  our  hands  was  three  hundred  and  fifty,  exclusive 
of  ofi&cers.  The  ships  of  the  enemy  which  escaped,  after  anchoring 
on  the  outside  of  the  harbor,  sailed  during  the  night  of  the  first,  sup- 
posed for  New  Orleans.  We  are  preparing  to  give  them  a  warm  re- 
ception, should  they  return*  with  a  larger  fleet.  Our  loss  will  not 
exceed  twenty-five  killed  and  fifty  wounded.     Captain   Wainwright 


501 

and  Lieutenaut  Lea,  execativo  officers  of  the  Hariet  Lane,  were  both 
killed,  the  former  by  Major  Leon  Smith,  in  close  quarters. 

I  am  greatly  indebted   to  Brigadier  General   Scurry   and   Colonel 
Debra;^,  for  valuable   services  at   a  critical   period  of  the  action,  and 
will  do  justice  to  them  and  other  gallant  officers  in  my  detailed  report. 
I  am,  sir.  verv  respectfully,  your  obedient  servai^, 

J.  B.  magiTdder, 

Major  General  commanding. 


i^.V 


MBA 


ENGAGEMENT  AT-  SABINE  PASS. 


n^PORT  OF  MAJ.  GRN.  MA(HllJL)Eli 


IIlvAUqUARTERS  DiStRICI  OF  TkX4S,  Nk.W  MkXSGO  AND  ARIZONA,  ) 

^  Jlousfofi^  Tt'xai\  Jaimxtf  24,  13G3.      ) 

General  S.  Coopkr, 

Adjutaiii  and  Iiispidor  Gttmral,  lUchniond,  la.: 

8iR:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  Sahine  l*a;^s  has  been  clear^il 
of  the  enemy,  two  gunboats  which  I  fitted  up* on  the' Sabine  havkig 
capiuretl  the  enemy's  L-laclvailin!:^  squadron,  consisting  of  a  tw^ilve  g;ui 
Bhip-o^-■»^ar -and  a  schooner,  man-of-war,  of  two  guu&,«coiruaanded  by 
ofliccra  of  t.ie  United  States  navy.  Our  boats  pur^ftued  the  cnoiny 
tliirty  miles  to  sea,  during  which  time  a  running  fight  was  kept  up.. 
Finally,  getting  thetn  under  fire  ol  our  Enfield  rifljs,  they  surrcnderea, 
and  nevQr  turQ,ed  back  to  the  Puss.  This  expedition  was  under  coni- 
raand  of  Major  0.  SI.  Wackin-?,  of  my  staff,  and  was  fitted  out  under 
my  orders,  principally  by  tlic  gallant  Leon  Smith,  u(M  in  comitianil 
of  the  TI  M'riet  L:ino,  anil  :he  i.jst  of  the  war  vefscU  now  in  (jralvest'.n 
harbor.      Major  Watkii;  'lat   he   captured    thirtlba   heavy 

guns,    one    hundred    :•  j-mne     pri'sonerd,    and    ono    miUic:! 

dollars  worth   of  .sto:t.'  >inrainder  of  the- Fed c nil   rquadr::i 

report.-,  tiiat  the  severe  liont  seen  fromyjraivcat.on  islaj.J, 

&  lew  ni^hv?   uf:fi*;r:i.,  "  20O"   an'  the    United  .Statos 

Avar  §L.  ;•  fragamnta 

of''"-  M.  ...,!,, >..,-._,..:    ni..:i  ;.        ■..     ,:.c;i'nor5!,':;i 

t'  :iaijianded  by  Oaptaias  i-'o.vloL-  aa  i  Joibi- 

sijii,  ■  .u.-.,  ol    .1  cxas,  and  manned,  principal! v-.  'oy  voiunteura 

from  J  ,  egimont  of  cavalry,  Cook's  regiment  of  artillery,  ami 

Spait's  battalion  of  infaiUi'y.',  As  soon  as  I  ascertain  the  names  of 
th;>.  '  d'.,iV:  ■(■nirinianders  o,f.  those' deb. ch mo n-ts^  and  liie  particulars  of 
til.  .  communicate  the  same  for  the  information  of  His  B.<- 


.504  / 

rc'ilency  the  iVet^iilenfr.  The  dcvotioti  of  all  cannot  he  too  hij^hly 
'.  omnieniied  I  hog  Ic-ive  to  ask  of  the  i'r'esideut  that  Major  0.  W. 
Watkias,  A.  A.  G..  0.  S.  A.,  sent  to  Texas  to  coir.niand  a  coasaipt 
^liinp  of  inftnit'tion,  be  wade  lieutenant  coionel  in  the  adjutant  gon- 
(  thI'h  depHrtmeiit.  with  orders  to  rejiortto  mo'  The  expedition  to  the 
r.io  Gran.de  hnf-,  :)l'ier  many  difficulties,  prohahly  reached  that  rirer 
!y  this  time.  The  heavy- guns  stored  at  San  Antonio  are  on  their 
ray  for  its  d-^fenee  A.  comp<teur  eorps  of  engineers,  under  the 
coDunand  of  Mnjor  A.  M.  Lea,  accompanies;  the'  expedition..  Major 
Tea  rendered  eflieient  service  on  my  staff  at  Galveston,  an<I  found  his 
t-on,  l^ieutcnant  Lea,  of  the  Federal  navy,  woonded  and  dying,  6u 
loard  the  Harriet  Jiane.  He  is  a  graduate,  of  West  Point,  of  great 
merit,  and  well  known  to  Wis  Excellency  the  President,  to  whom  1 
Keg  leave  to  recommend  him  lor  the  appointment  of  coroncl  in  the 
Confeiieiate  States  army,  for  engineer  dut}'  with  roe.  I  will  add  that 
[  hope  soon  to  have*  a  squadron  of  four  gunhoats  in  the  Rio  G-rande 
{'.  V  further  protection.     The  ifiterior  is  tranquil. 

Yer}  i-e(>pect.fully.  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  BANKIIEAD  MAGRUDEK, 

Major  General  commanding. 


OPERATIONS  IN  TEXAS. 


REPORT  OP  MAJOR  GEXERAL  MAGRUDi^-R. 


IlEAna'RS  DisTKicT  OF  Tex.vs,  New  Mkxico  .and  Arizona, 

Galveston,  Feb.  26th,  1863. 
* 
General  S.  Cooi-kr, 

Adji'tant  and  Inspector  General, 

Richmond,   Va.  : 

Sir  :  On  my  arrival  in  Texas,  I  found  the  harbors. of  this  coast  in 
.  the  possession  of  the  enemy,  from  the  Sabine  river  to  Corpus  Ohristi; 
the  line  of  th«  Rio  Grande  virtually  abandoned,  most  of  the  guns 
having  been  removed  from  that  frontier  to  San  Antonio  ;  only  about 
three  hundred  or  four  hundred  mezi  remaining  at  Brownsville.  I 
resolved  to  regain  the  harbors,  if  possible,  and  to  occupy  the  valley 
of  the  Rio  Grande  in  force.  The  latter  would  be  a  very  se/ious  un- 
dertaking, on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  supplies  in  Mexico  and  the 
difficulty  of  transporting  theio  across  the  desert  from  eastern  Texas. 
Having  announced  the  determination  as  soon  as  I  arrived  on  the  Sa- 
bine, Captain  Weir,  of  Conk's  regiment  of  artillery,  commanding  a 
fort  on  tluit  river,  stepped  forward  and  volunteered  with  his  company 
to  man  a  steamboat  on  the  Sabine,  and  to  clear  the  pa?s.  '  This  oQicer 
and  this  company  haii  the  honor  to  be  the  first  volunteers  for  the  des- 
perate enerprise  of  expelling  the  enemy's  fleets  from  our  waters.  I 
remained  a  day  or  two  in  Houston,  an'd  then  procee(iing  to  A-^irginia 
Point  on  the  main  land  opposite  io  Galveston  Island,  I  took  with  me 
a  party  of  eighty  men,  supported  by  three  hundred  more,  and  pass- 
ing through  the  city  of  Galveston  at  night,  1  inspected  the  forts 
abandoned  by  our  troops  when  the  city  was  .given  up.  I  found. the 
forts  open  in  the  rear  and  faken  in  reverse  by  every  one  of  the  ene- 
my's ships  in  the  harbor.     They  were,   therefore,  utterly  useless  for 


o06 

my  purposes.  The  railway  track  had  been  permitted  to  remain  from 
Virginia  Feint  to  Galveston,  and  by  its  means  I  purposed  to  transport 
to  a  position  near  to  the"  enemy's  fleet,  the  hc:ivy  guns  hereinafter 
mentioned,  and  by  assembling  all  the  moveable  artillery  that  couM  be- 
collected  together  in  the  neighborliood,  I  hoped  t;i  acquire  "sufficient 
force  to  be  able  to  expel  the  enemy's  vessels  froTU  the  harbor.  Meet- 
ing here  Captain  Leon  Smith,  whom,  from  my  acquaintance  with  him 
in  California,  I  knew  to  be  of  groat  experience  in  steamboat  manage- 
'rncnt,  I  employed  him  in  the  Quarteriuastcr's  Department,  placing 
him  as  a  volunteer  aid  on  my  staff.  I  entrusted  to  his  ciiarge  all  the 
eteamerson  the  Sal^ine  river,  and  in  the  bayous  emptying  into  Galves- 
ton bay  ;  and  at  the  same  time  directed  that  those  on  the  Sabine 
should  be  fitted  out  forthv/ith  Leaaiing  subsequently  that  tin^  enemy 
had  landed  at  Galveston  a  ccnsidciable  force,  strength  unknown,  I 
'.directtd  Cap(;\in  Leon  Smith,  witiiout  delaying  preparations  on  th'e 
Sabine,  to  ^it  up  a  gunboat  on  tbc  steamers  Bayou  City  and  Neptune, 
and  to  employ  tv.'O  otliers  as  tenders  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the 
larger  ves.^els  with  wood.  At  the  same  time  I  received  information 
that  other  Federal  troops  were  on  the  way  to  Galvestcn.  I,  therefore, 
directed  that  the  work  on  the  last-mentioned  steamers  should  bo  car- 
ried on  night  and  day,  and  that  optaiu  and  crows  shoyld  be  fwrih- 
with  provided  for  them. ,  Feaiing  that  the  enemy  might  land  troops 
at  G,alveston  and  fortify  himself  there,  1  determined  to  make  the  first 
attack  at  that  point,  with  the  object  of  destroying  in  detail  his  land 
forces  as  fast  as  they  might  arrive.  Cnptain  Weir,  who  hod  fir.st  vol- 
unteered, was,  therefore, "with  his  company  of  artillery,  oidored  froni 
the  Sabine  on  board  the  Bayou  City.  Captain"  Martin,  commanding 
a.  company  of  cavalry,  having  arrived  from  New  Iberia,  La,,  volun- 
teered his  services  and  was  likewise  assigned  to  duty  on  board  the 
6arae  steamer,  Wlien  the  boats  designed  for  the  Galveston  expedition 
were  nearly  ready,  I  called  for  volunteers  from  Sibley's  brigade,  then 
Stationed  in  the  neighborhood,  under  orders  for  Monroe,  La,  It  is 
proper  to  state  that  1  hai^  previously  ascertained  that  the  eerviceg  of 
these  troops  at  Galveston  would  not  delay  a  moment  their  departure 
for  Louisiana,  they  being  unable,  for  want  of  transportation,  to  move 
in  that  direction.  This  call  was  for  three  hundred  Lfien.  It  was 
promptly  responded  to.  Colonels  Green  .  ;!nd  Bagby  volunteering  to 
load  the  men  of  their  respective  regiments.  After  those  officers  hai^ 
volunteered,  Colonel' James  Reilj,  coirmianding  the  brigade,  also  .of-, 
fore  I  to  lead  the  troops  from  his"  comiiiand,  but  his  services  in  that 
capacity  r<cre  a'lso-decliued,  as  he  was  then  the  brigade  eoraininder.  • 
A''  "  "     '    ■     ;  ;>jiim'jnt  lilwewise  volunt??'ue.l,  but  thcv  dill  not 

ac  Ml,  having  beer;  oni.ered  bi;ck  to  their  regiment,, 

by  C'ol.ui.itji  ii'  iiaving  o.nee   leported  to   Colonel  Green, -lAvlio 

coiiuiiande'd  tl,-:    .  ;  r  ,  .;    on   *?!.*  .-.icam!  ■;       Tii  addition  to  th^Sfl^/ 

troops,  Li.cutcnaiir  •  ue  service  of  t^ie 

United  States,  Aviii.  ;:  v(Mi;;i;niy  or  iii;  ajiry,  ;-,•  u;;^  as  artillery,  \ftaS- 
ordfcied  onJ^onrd  the  N6ptune.%  Th-e  mer* destined  for  the  navahex- 
pediti^i  Averc  armed  with  Enfield  rifles,  which  I  had  brought  with  me 
from  Richmond,  and  vath    double-barreled   shot   guns.  ■  The  enemy's 


507 

fleet,  then  lying  in  the  waters  of  Galveston,  consisted  of  the  Harriet 
Lane,  carrying  four  heavy  guns  and  two  twenty-four  pounder  howit- 
zers, commanded  byCaptairi  Wninwright,  U.  S.  A.  ;  the  Wcstfield, 
flagship  of  Commcdore  Rcnsliaw,  a  large  propeller,  four  heavy  guns  ;, 
the  Sachem,  a  eteam  propellcrj  four  lieavy  guns;  two  armed  trans- 
ports, two  large  barques,  and  an  armed  schooner.  The  enemy's  land 
forces  were  stationed  at  the  end  of  a  long  wharf,  and  were  crowded 
into  largo  buildings  immediately  under  the  guns  of  the  steamships. 
The  approaches  landward  to  this  position  wore  impeded  by  two  lines 
of  strong  barricades,  and  communication  with  the  shore  was  destroyed 
by  the  removal  of  part  of  the  wharf  in  fiont  of  the  barricades.  It 
thus  became  necessary  for  our  storming  parties  to  advance  by  wading 
through  the  water  ;  and  to  enable  them  to  mount  on  the  end  of  the  wharf, 
fifty  scaling  laddcis  were  constructed.  As  there  were  no  breastworks  " 
or  other  protection  for  our  arcillery  making  the  attack  on  the  enemy's 
ehips  and  land  forces,  my  object  was  to  b/ing  to  bear  as  heavy  a 
fire  of  aitillery  as  possible,  after  reaching  the  wharves  and  other 
points  selected  for  the  purpose,  under  cover  of  night.  « 

I  knew  that  the  co-operation  of  the'  cotton-boats  with  the  land 
forces  would  he  extremely  difficult  to  attain,  the  distance  tlie  former 
had  to  run  being  thirty  miles.  I  therefore  had  not  calculated  with' 
confidence  on  a  success  greater  than  that  of  the  expulsion  of  the 
enemy'j  fleet  from  the  harbor.  If  the  desired  go-operation  could  be 
secureil,  the  result  would  be  immediately  accomplished,  and  would  be 
attended 'probably  with  the  capture  or  .  destruction  of  some  of  the 
enemy's  ships.  If  the  co-operation  should,  fail,  I  nevertheless  felt 
satisfied  .that,  by  throwing  up  entrenchments  at  the  ends  of  the  streets 
leading  to  the  Vvater,  I  could. gradually  expel  the  fleet,  from  the  har- 
bor. For  this  purpos.?  entrenching  tools  in  large  quantities  were 
prepared.  To  attain  the  object  in  view  I  had  at  my  disposal  six 
siege  pieces,  the  heaviest  weighing  five  thousand  four  hundred 
pounds  I  also  caused  to  be  constructed  a  railroad*  ram,  armed  with. 
an  eight-inch  Dahlgren,  and  mounted  on  a  railway  flat.  This  flat 
and  gun  wt-re  carried  by  railway  to  a  point  within'  a  few  hundred 
yard.s  of  the  Harriet  >ane.  A  large  quantity  oR  cotton  was  trans- 
ported in  the  same  way;  with  the  view  of  using  it  in  making  a 
breastwork  for  this  gun,  should  we  not  succeed  in  our  object  before 
daylight.  In  addition. I  h;id  fourteen  field  pieces^  some  of  them  rifled 
•and  some  smooth  bores.  Tiiice  of  the  he>aviest  olf  the  siege  guns  had 
to  be  transported  nine, miles,  the  "others  seven  miles,  bet,w'eei,i  sunset 

and  twelve  o'clock,' qodc-   '^■■■'     "  *^- -'■"'•v^-    •:•'   r----   v -   ^'   •- 

cuU  I  :■  ■  i- .     A  system  ■• 

te'  ^       " 

th 

of  .iiiing    t 

xpeditio  L  the  ei^ 

gi.:  '  .  ais  made  i  ■■  ;  ;■  ^  ■  '  v  not.  ♦■The  Jvl\  v-l  '-.;'J  w.i'; 
tio[.  \.  IS  Koil  Point,  at  ilu  iiioalh  of , the  harbor,  ^wo  miles  bi^l 
mou'ih  of  the  town.     This    fort   was   entirely  open    in    the  rear,  tl;u3 


« 


51)8 

affording  no  piotcQtion  for  the  artillery  against  tlie  enemy's  vessel 
inside  of  the  harbor.  The  attatk  from  thia  point  vas  entru.=ited  to 
Captain  Fontaine,  of  Cook's  regiment  of  arfillev3%  supported  hy  aix 
companie!^  of  Pyron'a  regiment  dismountC'l  dragoons,  under  command 
*of  the  gallant  Colonel  Pyron.  Wilson's  battery  of  six  pieces  was  to 
attack  the  enemy  from  the  centre  Avharf ;  the  railroad  ram  'was  sent 
to  the  upper  whyirf.  The  remainder  of  the  artillery  was  manned  from 
Cook's  regiment,  and  posted  in  eligible  positions.  Colono'l  Cook  him- 
self was  entrusted  with  the  commond  of  the  sto:ming  party  of  about 
live  hundred  men,  composed  of  details  from  Pyron's  and  Elmore's 
regiments  and  Griffin's  battalion,  ond  furnished  with  ladders  to  scale 
the  wharf  on  which  the  enemy's  land  forces  were  barricaded.  Briga- 
dier General  W.  R  Scurry  was  placed  in  command  of  Pyron's  regi- 
ment, and  of  the  remainder  of  Sibley's  brigade,  and  EhnoYe's  men, 
commanded  by  Lieutenii.nt  Colonel  Abercrotnbie,  the  latter  actiiig  as 
support  for  the  whole.  Lieutenant  Colonel  J.  H.  Manly,  of  Cook's 
regiment,  was  ordered  to*  Virginia  Point,  to  defend  that  wotk.  which 
was  our.  base  of  operations,  and  which  was  connected  with  Galveston 
Island  by  a  railroad  bridge,  two  miles  in  length,  opi'i.'to  tlie  attack  of 
the  enemy.  Leading  the  centre  assault  in  person,  I  approached  to 
within  two  squares  of  the  wharves,  at  A'hich  point  I  directed  the 
horses  of  the  field  pieces  to  be  removed  from  tlioin  and  placed  behind 
some  brick' buildings  for  shelter  from  the  anticipated  discharges  of 
grape  and  canister.  'After  allowing  the  elapse  of  what  turn^  out  to 
be  ample  time  for  Captain  Fontaine  to  reach  and  occupy-  his  more 
distant  position,  the  guns  w'ere  placed  along  a  line  of  about  two  miles 
and  a  half,  principally  within  the  limits  of  the  cit-y.  It  having  been 
agreed  that  the  fire  of  the  centre  gun  should  furnish  the  signal  .for  a 
general  attack,  I  proceeded  to  carry  -out  that  portion  of  the  plan  by 
discharging  the  piece  myself.  The  signal  was  promptly  responded 
to  by  an  almost  simultaneous  ar^d  very  effective  discharge  along  the 
whole  line.  The-moon  had  by  that  time  gone  down,  but  still  the 
light  of  the  stars  enabled  us  to  see  the  Federal  ships.  The  enemy 
did  not  hesitate  long  in  replying  to  our  attack.  lie  soon  opened  on 
us  from  his  fleet  wyth  a, tremendous  discharge,  vrhich  was  ftdiowed  by 
grape  and  canister.  Our  men,  however,  worked  steadily  at  their 
guns,  under  cover  of  the  darkness.  Colonel  Cook  now  advanced 
with  hid  storming  party  to  the  asi-ault ;  his  men,  wading  through  the 
water  and  bearing*  with  them  their  scaling  ladders,  endeavored  to 
reach  the  end  of  the  whatf  on  which  the  enemy  was  stationed.  Col- 
onel Cook  was  supported  by  Griffin's  battalion  and  by  sharpsho(}ter8, 
deployed  on  the  right  and  left  in  order  to  distract  the  enemy's  atten- 
tion. •  A  severe  conflict  took  place  at  this  point,  our  men  being 
exposed  to  a  fire  of  grape  and  canister  and  shell  from  the  ships,  as 
well  as  of  nwisketiy  from  the 'land  forces.  The  water  was  deep,  the 
wharf  proving  higher  than  was  anticipated,  and  the  scaling  ladders, ' 
as  was  reported  to  me. by  Colonel  Cook,. were  fou/id  to^be  too  short  to 
enable  tho  men  to  accomplish  their  object.  After  ati  obstinate  con- 
test, the  infantry  were  directed  to  cover  themselves  and  fife  from  the 
buildings  nearest  tftis  wharf,  which  was  accordingly  done.       -  * 


509 

The  enemy's  fire  was  deadly,  the  ships  being  not  more  than  three-hun- 
dred yards  from  our  batteries^  it  was  extremely  difficult  to  maintain 
the  positions  we  had  assumed;  and  some  of  the  artillerymen  were 
driven  from  their  pieces.  As  daylight,  which  was  now  approaching, 
would  expose  these  men  still  more  to  the  enemy's  fire,  aud  our  gun- 
boats had  not  yet  made  their  appearance,  I  ordered  the  artillery  to  be 
withdrawn  to  positions  which  afforded  me  protection,  but  from  which 
the  fire  could  be  continued  on  the  adv'ersary  with  greater  advantage 
to  ns.  Knowing  Captain  Fontaine  to  be  in  a  position  the  most  ex- 
posed of  all,  I  at,  the  same  time  despatched  a  staff  officer,  with  in- 
structions to  have  his  pieces  likewise  withdrawn.  This  order  reach- 
ing Captain  Fontaine's  men  before  it  was  received  by  the  Captain, 
and  the  concentrated  fire  frorm  the  enemy's  ships,  but  a  few  yards  dis- 
tant, having  increased  in  intensity,  they  were  compelled  to  leave  their 
pieces.  They  were,  however,  soon  formed  by  Captain  Fontaine,  in  a 
position  of  great  security.  The  delicate  duty  of  withdrawing  the 
pieces  in  the  city  from  the  close  vicinity  *of  the  enemy,  was  entrusted 
t<5  Brigadier  General  Scurry,  who  performed  it  with  skill  and  gallantry. 
Preparations  were  then  ordered  for  the  immediate  fortification  and 
permanent  occupation  of  the  city.  But  at  this  moment,  our  fire  still 
continuing,  our  gunboats  came  dashing  down  the  harbor  and  engaged 
the  Harriet  Lane,  which  was  the  nearest  of  the  enemy's  ships,  in  the 
most  gallant  style,  running  into  her,  one  on  each  side,  and  pour- 
ing on  her  deck  a  deadly  fire  of  rifles  and  shot-guns.  The  gallant 
Captain  Wainright  fought  his  ships  admirably.  He  succeeded  in  dis- 
abling the  Neptune,  and  attempted  to  run  down  the  Bayou  City,  but 
he  was  met  by  an  antagonist  of  even  superior  skill,  coolness  and  he- 
roism. Leon  Smith,  ably  seconded  by  Captain  Lubbock,  the  imme- 
diate commander  of  the  Bayou  City,. and  by  her  pilot,  Captain  Me- 
Corraick,  adroitly  evaded  the  deadly  stroke,  although  as  the  vessels 
passed  each  other,  he  lost  the  larboard  wheel-house  in  the  shock. 
Again  the  Bayou  City,  while  receiving  several  broadsides  almost  at  the 
cannon's  mouth,  poured  into  the  Harriet  Lane  ^destructive  fire  of 
small  a^-ms.  Turning*  once  more,  she  drove  he^prow  into  the  iron 
wheel  of  the  Harriet  Lane,  thus  locking  the  two  vessels  together. 
Followed  by  the  officers  and  men  of  the  heroic  volunteer  corps,  Com- 
mcdore  Leon  Smith  leaped  to  the  deck  of  the  hostile^ship,  and  after 
a  moment  of  feeble  resistence,  sheVas  ours.  The  surviving  officers 
of  the  Harriet  Lane  presented  their  swords  to  Commodore  Leon 
Smith  on  the  quarter-deck  of  the  captured  vessel.  After  the  surren- 
der,* the  Owasco  passed  alongside,  pouring  into  the  Harriet  Lane  a 
broadside  at  close  quarters,  but  she  was  forced  to  back  out  by  the  ef- 
fect of  our  musketry.  Commodore  Smith  then  sent  a  flag  to  Com- 
modore Renshaw,  whose  ship  had  in  the  meantime  been  run  agrownd,  de- 
manding the  surrender  of  the  whole  fleet,  and  giving  three  hours' 
time  to  consider.  These  propositions  were  accepted  by  the  command- 
ing officer,  and  all  the  enemy's  vessels  were  immediately  brought  to 
anchor  with  white  flags  flying.  Most  of  this  time  was  occupied  in 
attempting  to  get  the  Harriet  Lane  to  the  wharf,  in  order  to  remove 
the  wounded  to  a  place  of  safety.     The  ships  and  boats  were  so  much 


510 

(larcagcJ  that  this  was  found  to  be  almost  impossible  with  the  means 
at  hand.  Piooecditig  myself  to  the  v\harf,  1  met  one  of  my  most  dis- 
tinguished and  scientific  staff  oflicors'Mnlj.  A.  iM.  Lea,  who  informed  me 
that,  on  "board  the  Harriet  Lane  he  had  found  his  son,  the  second  ia 
command,  mortally  wounded.  He  represented  to  nie  thatthcre  wore 
otlier  officers  badly  wounded, -and  urged  rao  to  dela}--  if'  possible  their 
removil.  It  now  being  within  nn  h';ur  of  the  expiration  of  the  period 
pf  truce,  I  sent  another  flag  to  Commodore  licnshaw,  whose' ship  was 
among  the  most  distant,  claiming  all  his  vessels  immediately  under 
our  guns  as  prizes,  and  giving"  him  further  time  to  consider  the  de- 
mand for  the  surrender  of  the  w'holo  fleet.  This  m'essage  was  borne 
by  Colonel  Green  and  Captain  Lubbock.  While  these  gentlemen 
were  on  their  way,  in  a  boat,  to  fulfill  their  mission,  Commodore  Ren- 
shaw  blew  up  his  ship,  and  was  himself  accidentally  blown  up  with  it. 
Thoy  boarded  the  s-hip  of  the  next  in  command,  whp  dropped  down 
the  bay,  siill  having  them  on  board,  and  carried  them  some  distance 
tovrards  the  bar,  while  !?tiil  iWing  the  white  flag  at  the  mast-head. 

In  the  meantime  General  Scurry  sent  to  know  if  he  should  Are  .kt 
the  ships  immediately  in  his  front  at  the  expiration  of  the  period  of 
truce.  To  this  I  replied  in  the  negative,  as  another  demand;  under 
a  flag  of  truce  from  me,  had  been  sent  to  the  Commodore.  When 
the  first  period  of  truce  expired,  the  enemy's  ships  under  our  guas, 
regardless  of  the  whito  fings  still  flying  at  their  mastheads,  gradually 
crept  off.  As  soon  as  this  was  seen,  I  sent  a  sv.ift  express  on  horse- 
back to  General  Scurry,  directing  him  to  opeTi  fire  on  them.  This 
Avas  done  with  so  much  effect  that  one  of  them  was  reported  to  have 
£unk  near  the  bar,  and  the  Owasco  was  seriously  damaged.'  I  for-^ 
ward  a  correspondenec  on  this  subject  between  Commodore  Be)l  and 
m^'sclf.  In  this  correspondence  Commodore  Bell  stares  that  the 
truce  was  violated  by  the  firing' of  cannon  and  small  arms  by  our  men 
on  shore,  as  he  had  been  informed.  This  is  an  error.  Not  a  gun  or 
small  arm  was  discharged  during. the  stipulated  period,  or  until  the 
enemy's  vessels  were  discovered  to  be  creeping  oil'  out  of  the  harbor.* 
Commodore  Leon  Uftiith  fired  a  heavy  stern  gum  at  the  retiring  ships 
with  eff'ect  from  the  Harriet  Lane.  Jumping  on  board  the  steamer 
Carr,  he  proceeded  to  "Bolivar  channel  and  captured  and  brought  in, 
in  the  immediijte  presence  of  the  enemy's  armed  vessels,  the  two 
bar«iue3  and  schooner  before  spoken  of.  As  soon  as  it  was  light 
enough  to  see,  the  land  forces  surrendered  to  General  Scurry.  We 
thus  captured  one  fine  steamship,  two  barques  and  one  schooner.  We 
ran  ashore  the  flagship  of  the  commodore,  drove  off"  two  war  steamers 
and  sunk  another,  as  reported,  all  of  the 'United  States  navy,  and  the 
armed  transports,  and  took  three  or  four  hundred  prisoners.  The 
numbej  of  guns  captured  was  fifteen,  and  being  found  on  Pelican 
Spit,  a  largo  quantity  of  stores,  coal  and  other  material,  was  also 
taken.  The  Neptune  sunk.  Her  officers  and  crew,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  those  killed  in  battle,  were  saved,  as  were  also  her  guns. 
The  loss,  on  our  side,  was  twenty-six  killed  and  one  hundred  and" 
seventeen  wounded.  Among  the  former  was  the  gallant  Gaptaia. 
Weir,  the  first  volunteer  for  the  expedition.    The  alacrity  with  which 


511 

officers  and  men,  all  of  them  totally  uuiicquainted  with  this  novel 
kind  of  service,  some  of  whom  had  never  even  seen  a  ship  before, 
volunteered  for  an  enterprise  so  extraordinary  and  apparently  des- 
perate'in  its  character,  and  the  bold  and  dashing  manner  in  which  tho 
plan  was  executed,  are  certainly  deserving  of  the  highest  praise. 
Although  it  may  appear  invidi;)U3  to  make  distinctions,  I  neverthe- 
less regard  it  as  O;  duty  to  say  that  too  much  credit  cunnot  bo  bestowed, 
on  Commodore  Leon  Smith,  whose' professional  ability,  energy  and 
perseverance,  amidst  many  discouraging  influences,  were  so  conspicu- 
ously displayed  in  tho  preparation  for  this  attack,  Avhile  in  its 
execution  his  heroism  was  subliuio.  In  the  latter,  he  was  most  ably 
and  gallantly  seconded  by  Colonel  Green,  commanding  the  land 
forces  serving  on  beard  of  our  fleet;  by  Captain  Lubbock,  ccmmand- 
ing  the  Bayou  City ;  by  her  pilot.  Captain  McCormick ;  Captain 
Weir,  commanding  the  artillery  ;  Captain  Martin,  commanding  dis- 
mouniod  dragoons,  and  by  the  officers  and  men  on  board  of^that  boat, 
Thougli  in  the  case  of -the  Neptune  the  residt  was  not  so  favorable, 
her  attack  on  the  Harriet  Lane  was  equally  bold  and  dashing,  ffnd 
had  its  weight  in  the  capture.  Colonel  Bagby,  commanding  the  land 
troops.on  board  the  Neptune;  Captain  Langster;  her  pilots.  Captains 
Swift  and  McGovern  ;  Captain  Jlarby  and  the  officers  and  crew'of 
the  ship,  likewise  deserve,  as  they  have  received,  my  thanks  for  their 
participation  in  this-  brilliant  battle.  The  engineers,  among  whoai 
were  Captaiii  Seymour,  of  the  Bayou  City,  and  Captain  Conner,  of 
the  Neptune,  were  distinguished  by  remarkable  coolness,  skill,  and 
devotion  in  the  discharge  of  their  important  dirties. 

In  the  land  at'.ack  es]  ecial.  com:nendatious  ■are  due  to  Brigadier 
General  W.  11.  Scurry,  pdonel  B.  Do  Bray,  Major  Von  Ilarten, 
Cooke's  regiment  of  artillery ;  Captain  Fontaine,  Cooke's  regiment ; 
Major  J.  Kellersburg.  of  the  engineer  corps;  also  to  Colonels  Cooke, 
Pyron,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Abcrcroinbic,  commanding  Eli^ore's  men  ; 
Major  GriflSn,  Major  Wilson,  of  the  artiller}'" ;  Captain  Mason,  Cap- 
tain McMahon,  and  to  the  accomplished  and  (levotcd  Lieutenant  Sher- 
man, who  fell  at  his  piece  mortally  wounded,  and  to  privates  Brown 
and  Shoppman,  of  Daly's  company  of  cavalry,  the  latter  of  whom  kept 
up  the  fire  of  one  piece  almost  without  assistance,  under  the  enemy's 
grape  and  canister.  • 

The  officers  of  my  staff  exhibited  on  this,  as  on  previous  occasions, 
conspicuous  ability  and  gallantry.  When  some  of  the  men  were  com- 
pelled to  leave  their  pieces  at  one  of  the  wharves  nearest  the  <?nemy. 
Major  Dickinson,  A.  A  G.,  calling  for  volunteers,  dashed  down  the 
street  in  order  to  withdraw  the  pieces.  Whilst  .in  the  act  of  consum- 
mating this  design,  he  was  badly  wounded  by  a  fragment  of  a  shell 
striking  in  the  left  eye,  which,  unfortunately,  has  lost  its  sight. 

Captain  ,E.  R.  Turner,  A.  A.  General,  likewise  behaved  with  con- 
spicuous gallantry. 

Lieutenants  Thomas  A.  Magruder  and  H.  M,  Stanard,  my  aids-de- 
camp, executed  my  orders  with  remarkable  gallantry,  promptness  and 
intelligence.  These  two  officers  have  thus  been  distinguished  in  tho 
battles  of  Bethel,  Yorktown,  Savage  Station,  and  Malvern  Hill.     It 


512 

iS  only  just  that  I  i^houIJ  commend  tbem  to  tliQ  special  consideration* 
of  the  Government.  Lieutenant  Mngruder  volunteered  for  the  ser- 
vice, and  brought  off  in  the  most  gallant  style,  some  pieces  wlilch  tho 
men  hiul  been  compelled  to  retire  from.  Lieutenant  Stanard  behaved 
with  equal  gallantry  in  the  execution  of  orders,  cxijosin!:;  himself  to 
ihe  enemy's  fire. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  McNeal,  A..  I.  G.,  of  Siuley  a  biigado,  rendered 
distinguished  service  in  carrying  out  my  orders,  as  also  did  Lieuten- 
ant Carrington,  of  the  same  regiment,  acting  on  my  statf. 

Mr.  Dennis    Brashem,  who  has  been  inevery  battle  in  which  I  have 
been  engaged,  except  that  of  Bethel,  and  served  with  great  gallantry 
everywhere,  without    a   reward  of  a^y  kind,  for   more  than   a  year,' 
rendered  important  and  most  gallant  service  on  this  .occasion. 

I  am  also  under  obligations  to  Colonel  Nichols,  volunteer  aid, 
whose  ability  and  local  knowledge  were  of  great  service  in  arranging 
the  details  of  the  attack.  I  likewise  thankfully  acknowledge  the  ser- 
vices of  Judge  V.  W.  Gray  and  the  Hon.  Mr.  Wilcox,  M.  C.  from 
Texas,  who  as  volunteer  aids,  accompanied  me  to  the  front  when  the 
battle  opened,  and  remained  with  mo  during  the  continuance 

The  assistance  of  General  Howard,  of  the  militia,  and  his  Adju- 
tant General.  Major  Tucker,  residents  of  Galveston,  were  of  great 
value,  as  were  also  those  of  Mr.  Cane,  volunteer  aid,  from  Houston. 
Hon.  M.  M.  Potter,  of  Galveston,  was  likewise' conspicuous  during 
the  engagement,  for  his  activity  arid  devotion.  / 

I  take  this  occasion  to  recommend  to  the  special  consideration  of 
the  President,  the  conduct  of  Governor  J.  R.  Baylor,  of  Arizona, 
who  though  not  in  command  of  any  troops,  nor  attached  to  ra}'  staff, 
was  conspicuous  for  his  gallant  conduct  as  a  private,  serving  the  guns 
.during  the  hottest  of  the  fire,  and,  with  his  coat  off,  working  to  place 
them  in  position  during  the  night. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Manly  sustained  the  operations  from  Virginia 
Point,  with  great  ability  and  activity. 

Captain  Pendleton,  A.  D.  C,  who  accompanied  tho  troops,  proved 
himself  to  be  an  officer  of  very  remarkable  ability,  energy  and  devo- 
tion. Captain  Stoy,  A.  Q.  M.,  is  also. deserving  of  high  commenda- 
tion. 

Major  J.  B.  Eustis,  acting  ordnance  officer  on  my  staff,  assisted  by 
Lieutenant  M.  Hughs,  of  the  artillei-y,  performed  admirably  his  diffi-' 
cult  a^l  important  duties  m  the  prepartion  for  the  attack.  The  foir- 
mer,  by  my  order,  remained  in  charge  of  the  depot  at  Virginia  Point, 
while  the  latter  discharged  gallantly  his  duties  on  the  field.  I  like- 
wise take  pleasure  in  "recognizing  the  efficient  and  gallant  service  of 
Major  Watkins,  in  charge  of-  conscript  business  on  my  staff;  of  Colo- 
nel Forsley,  of  the  enginer  corps  ;  of  Captain  -H.  Pendleton,  A'  Q.- 
M.,  who  accompanied  me  to  the  front,  and  of  Major  Pendleton,  C.  S., 
on  my  staff',  who  discharged  his  important  duties  with  gallant  ability. 

Lieutenants  Stnngfellow,  Jones  and  Hill,  of  the  artillery,  behaved 
with  remarkable  gallantry  during  the  engagement,  each  of  them  vol- 
anteering  to  take  charge  of  guns,  and  personally  directing  the  fire, 
after  the  officers  originally  in  eharge  of  them  had  been  wounded. 


513 

It  TTotild  be  improper  to  close  the  report  without  directing  the  par» 
tioular  attention  of  the  Government  to  invaluable  services  rendered 
by  Major  Bloomn.eld,  (luarterniasti'r  on  my  staff,  and  bj  Captain 
Wharton.  A  (}.  M.,  at  Houston.  These  officers,  by  their  intelligence, 
etievgy  and  activity,  proved  tliemselve^?  fully  adequate  to  all  the  de- 
mands made  upon  them  in  the  preparation  of  the  means  appropriated 
to  their  <lepartment,  and  contributed  materially  to  the  successful  re- 
sult of  the  expedition.  Nor  should  I  omit  to  mention  Captain  Goode, 
in  command  of  ordnance.  1  commend  him  especially  tif  the  chief  of 
ordnance,  and  to  tho  consideration  of  his  excellency  the  Vresident. 
IJesides  the  names  luentioned  above,  I  would  call  attention  to  the 
names  of  the  officers  and  men  reported  by  their  respective  command- 
ing officers,  to  have  distinguished  themselves  by  gallant  and  merito- 
rious services.  x\s  it  would  have  been  imprudent  to  have  given  full 
warning  to  the  inhabitants  of  (ialvestion  of  my  intention  to  attack  the 
Federal  Heet,  lest  information  of  the  design  might  reach  the  enemy, 
as  soon  as  the  head  of  our  column  entered  the  suburbs  of  the  town, 
I  directed  the  ambulances,  in  charge  of  one  of  my  staff  officers,  to  pro- 
ceed to  the  convent  of  the  Wesaline  nuns,  near  that  point,  and  place 
the  conveyances  at  their  disposal,  for  their  immediate  removal  to  the 
houses  provided  for  them.  I  also,  in  like  manner,  informed  the  foreign 
consuls  and  the  mayor  of  the  contemplated  attack,  and  gave  them 
time  to  move  their  fahiilies,  and  the  citizens  most  exposed,  to  a  place 
of  safety.  The  noble  women  of  the  convent,  while  recognizing  tho 
courtesy  extended  to  them,  expressed  a  preference  to  remain  and  nurse 
the  wounded,  offering  the  building  as  a  hospital. 

Many  of  the  inhabitants  left  the  houses  most  exposed  to  the  ene- 
my's fire,  and  I  am  happy  to  state,  that  although  man}^  edifices  were 
much  injured-,  and  tho  town  riddled  by  balls,  no  casualty  occurred 
among  the  citizens.  The  wounded  of  the  enemy  were  conducted  to  the 
same  hospital,  and  the  same  attentions  were  bestowed  on  them  as  if  they 
had  been  our  own  men.  Captain  Wainwright  and  Lieutenant  Lea,  of 
the  Federal  army,  were  buried  with  masonic  and  military  honors,  in  the 
same  grave;  Major  Lea,  of  the  Confederate  army,  father  of  Lieutenant 
Lea,  performing  the  funeral  services.  Having  buried  the  dead,  taken 
care  of  the  wounded,  and  secured  the  captured  property,  my  exertions 
were  directed  to  getting  the  Harriet  Lane  to  sea.  The  enemy's  ships 
fled  to  New  Orleans,  to  which  place  one  of  their  steam  transports  was 
dispatched  during  the  action.  1  knew  that  a  large  naval  force  might 
be  expected  to  return  in  a  few  days.  I  therefore  ordered  the  employ- 
ment, at  high  wages,  of  all  the  available  mechanics,  to  repair  the 
Harriot  Lane,  her  main  shaft  having  been  dislocated,  and  her  iron 
wheel  greatly  disabled,  so  that  the  engine  could  not  work.  The  United 
States  flags  were  ordered  to  remain  flying  on  the  custom-house,  and 
at  the  mast  heads  of  the  ships,  so  as  to  attract  into  the  harbor  any 
of  the  enemy's  vessels  which  might  be  bound  for  the  port  of  Galves- 
ton. A  line  of  iron  buoys,  which  he  had  established  for  the  guidance 
of  his  ships  in  the  harbor,  were  displaced,  and  so  arranged  as  to  in- 
sure their  getting  aground.  On  the  3d  of  January,  I  being  then  on 
board  of  the  Harriet  Lane,  a  yawl  boat  containing  sereral  men,  in 
33 


514 

coininauil  of  a  person  named  Thomas  Smith,  recently  a  citizen  of  ^ 
Galveston,  and  Avho  had  deserted  from  our  army,  was  reported  along- 
Bide.  Me  informed  me  that  he  was  sent  from  tlie  United  States  trans- 
port stc:imship  Gambria,  then  off  the  bar,  for  a  pilot,  and  th;it  they 
had  no  idea  of  the  occupation  of  the  city  by  us.  I  forthwith  ordered  a 
pilot  boat,  under  command  of  Captain  Johnson,  to  bring  in  this  ship, 
but  through  a  most  extraordinary  combination  of  circumstances,  the 
vessel  which  contained  E.  J.  Davis,  and  many  other  apostate  Texans, 
besides  several  hundred  troops  and  twenty-five  hundred  sa<ldles  for 
the  use  of  native  sympathizers,  succeeded  in  making  her  escape.  The 
man  Smith* who  had,  it  is  said,  several  times  set  fire  to  the  city  of 
Galveston  before  he  deserted,  had  been  known  as  Nicaragua  Smith, 
and  was  dreaded  by  every  one.  He  returned  to  Galveston  in  order 
to  act  as  Federal  provost  marshal.  His  arrival  produced  much  ex- 
citement,during  which  some  one,  without  orders, sent  a  sail  boat  to  Peli- 
can Spit,  now  occupied  by  our  troops,  to  direct  the  commanding  offi- 
cer there  not  to  fire  on  our  pilot  boat  although  she  was  under  Yankee 
colors. 

The  sail  boat  thus  sent  was  at  once  supposed  to  be  destined  for  the 
Yankee  transport.     The  pilot  boat  gave  chase  to  her,  and  the  guns 
from  the  shore  opened  on  her  within  hearing  of  the  ship.    Night  com- 
ing on  I  thought  it  surer,  as  the  alarm  might  be  taken,  to  capture  her 
at  sea  before  morning,  but  the  Harriet  Lane  could  not  move,  and  our 
cotton  gunboats  could  not  live  on  the  rough  sea  on  the  bar.  Therefore 
one  of  the  baripies,  the  Royal  Yacht,  a   schooner  of  ours,  the   pilot 
boat,  and  the    Leader,  a   schooner   loaded  with   cotton,  which   1   had 
ordered  to  be  sent  to  a  foreign  port  with  a  proclamation  of  the  raising 
of  the  blockade  at  Galveston,  were  directed  to  be  prepared  and  armed 
with  light  artillery.     This  was  done  by  two   o'clock  the  same  night; 
our  little  fleet  being  manned  by   volunteers,   under  the  command  of 
Captain  Ma^on,  of  Cook's  regiment  of  artillery.     Unfortunately  the 
wind  lulled,  ;irid  none  but  the  pilot  boat  could  reach  the  enemy's  ships. 
The  pilot  bo.ir  went  out  under  the  command  of  a  gallant  sailor.  Cap- 
tain l*ayne,  of  Galveston.    The  enemy's  ship  proved  to  be  a  splendid 
iron- clad  steamer,  built  in  the  Clyde.     I  had   ascertained  from  the 
men  taken  ashore  that  she  li>)d  only  two  guns,  and  they  were  packed 
on  deck  under  a  large  quantity  of  hay,  and  I  anticipated  an  easy  con- 
<juest  and  one  of  great  political    importance,   as   this   ship,  contained 
almost  all  the  Texans  out  of  flic  Siate,  who   had    proved   recreant  to 
their  <luty  to  the  Confederacy  ainl  to  Texas.     The  pilot  boat  was  al- 
lowed to  get  close  to  the  ship  wiien  the  boat  was  hailed  and  the  pilot 
ordered  to  come  on  board"      Captain  Payne  answered  that  he  thought 
there  were  rather  too  many  men  to  trust  himself  to,    whereunpon  he 
•was  directed  to  come  on  board  or  he  would  be  fired  into.     He  went  on 
board  as  ordered,  and  soon  after  the  steamer  sailed  in  all  haste  sea- 
ward, leaving  the  pilot  boat  and  hands  to  return  to  us. 

I  am  thu.s  particular  in  this  narrative  as  the  friends  of  Captain 
Payne  fear  that  he  may  meet  with  foul  play  from  the  enemy.  I  shall 
ascertain  through  Commodore  Bell  his  fate,  and  act  accordingly. 
Smith,  the  deserter,  was  tried  regularly  the  next  day   by  a  general 


615 

eoiirt  martial,  and  being  convicted  of  deserting  to  the  enemy,  was 
publicly  shot  in  Galveston  in  accordance  with  his  sentence.  The  pro- 
ceedings,which  were  formal  ami  in  all  respects  legal  and  regular,  are  for- 
warded. At  the  time  of  these  occurrences,  I  received,  through  Colonel 
Webb,  reliable  information  of  an  insurrection  atnong  the  Germans  in 
Colorado,  Fayette,  and  Austin  counties,  eight  hundred  being  reported 
in  arras  to  resist  the  conscript  law  and  the  State  draft.  I  immediately 
ordered  the  Arizona  brigade  with  a  section  of  artillery  to  the  disaf- 
fected region,  declared  martial  law  in  these  three  counties,  and  had 
the  ringleaders  lodged  ih  jail ;  the  rest  yielded,  and  tranquility  and  obe- 
dience to  the  laws  now  prevail.  Major  Webb  contributed  much  by  his 
personal  activit}^  and  influence  to  produce  these  results,  and  I  earn- 
estly recommend  him  to  the  President  for  the  appointment  of  assistant 
adjutant  general,  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant  colonel,  to  be  stationed 
in  the  disaffected  regions,  and  to  take  charge  of  the  business  growing 
out  of  these  affairs,  and  those  of  tlie  malitia.  lie  was  an  officer  of 
the  old  array,  and  colonel  under  General  Taylor  in  the  Mexican  war. 
The  Gerraan  ringleaders,  above  mentioned,  have  been  turned  over  to 
the  civil  authorities  for  trial.  I  have  the  honor  to  announce  that  the 
whole  coast  and  island  are  now  in  our  possession,  and  that  the  Rio 
Grande  is  strongly  occupied. 

1  am,  very  respectfully, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

J.  B.  MAGRUDER, 
Mr.jor  General  commanding. 


OPERATIONS  ON  EED  RIVER. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  TAYLOR. 


t  VIkaoqi  ARTKXs  District  Wf.stern  Louisiana,^ 

Alexmidria,  April  23,  1863.       ) 

Brigadier  General  Bo(;gs,   Cfiiff  of  StnJ' : 

General:   1  have  the  honor  to  subii.it  the  toUu.viu^  report  of  recent 
engagements  with  the  enemy  : 

On  Thursday  morning.  9th  instant,  information  was  communicated 
to  me  by  Colonel  Ray.  commanding  at  Camp  Kisland,  that  the  enemy, 
under  cover  of  their  gunboats,  had  crossed  a  small  force  from 
Brashear  City  to  Berwick  City,  and  that  our  pickets  in  the  vicinity 
of  Berwick  City  had  been  driven  in.  Later  in  the  Jay.  the  fsame 
officer  despatched  to  me  information  that  the  enemy  vas  in  force  at 
Brashear,  and  was  crossing  troops  to  Berwick.  This  reached  me 
while  I  was  on  my  way  to  Butte  a  la  Rose  for  the  purpose  of  hasten- 
ing the  departure  of  our  cunboat  fleet  fiom  that  point,  in  order  to 
place  it  in  Grand  Lake,  with  a  view  to  operations  against  the  enemy, 
co-protection  of  the  several  landings  on  that  lake  from  his  approach, 
as  his  movements  might  be  developed  \  immediately  returned  to 
Camp  Bisland,  and  moved  Colonel  Green's  regiment  (fifth  Texas 
mounted  volunteers)  to  the  front,  throwing  out  a  strong  picket  in 
advance,  with  orders  to  proceed  as  near  Berwick  as  possible,  to 
skirmish  with  the  enemy,  ascertain  his  strength,  and  retard  his  ad- 
vance. Having  given  orders  for  the  gunboats  Queen  of  the  West, 
Grand  Duke  and  Mary  S  ,  to  rendezvous  at  Butte  a  la  Rose  and  pro- 
ceed with  the  utmost  despatch  down  the  Atchafalaya  and  Grand  Lake, 
I  sent  one  of  my  staff  officers  to  hurry  them  down.  During  Thurs- 
day night  and  Friday  the  enemy  crossed  a  large  force  of  infantry, 


518 

artillery  and  cavalry,  with  "wagons,  the  protection  of  their  gunboats 
and  a  heavy  advance  guard  securing  them  from  interruption  by  our 
troops.  On  i^^riday  afternoon,  slight  skirmishing  took  place  between 
Colonel  Green's  outpost  pickets  and- the  enemy's  advance  guard.  On 
the  morning  of  Saturday,  the  11th  instant,  the.  enemy  commenced 
seriously  to  advance.  With  an  advance  guard  of  five  regiments  of 
infantry,  several  batteries  of  artillery,  and  i^  battalion  of  cavalry,  he 
moved  up  in  line  of  battle  towards  the  upper  mouth  of  the  Bayou 
Teche,  where  he  halted  and  encamped  for  the  night.  A  gunboat 
accompanied  this  advancing  line,  and  served  as  a  support  to  its  right 
flank.  Colonel  Green's  pickets  and  advanced  guard  fell  back  slowly 
before  the  enemy,  skirmishing  with  them. 

On  the  morning  of  Sunday,  the  12th,  the  enemy  continued  his 
advance  slowly  and  steadily  on  the  west  bank  of  the  bayou,  and  at 
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  had  approached  our  line  of  defences, 
just  below  Bethel's  plantation,  halting  at  a  distance  of  about  twelve 
hundred  yards,  and  displaying  in  a  line  of  battle  six  regiments  of 
infantry,  three  batteries  of  artillery,  and  a  considerable  body  of  car- 
airy.  A  heavy  second  line  was  held  by  the  enemy  about  six  or  seven 
hundred  yards  in  rear  of  his  first  line.  On  the  east  bank,  a  consid- 
erable force  of  infantry  and  cavalry,  and  several  pieces  of  artillery, 
•were  displayed  in  front  of  our  lines,  distant  about  eighteen  hundred 
yards  from  the  works.  A  brisk  cannonading  was  opened  by  our  bat- 
teries along  our  whole  line,  which  was  replied  to  by  the  enemy,  and 
continued  until  sundown,  when  the  enemy  fell  back  a  few  hundred 
yards  and  encamped  for  the  night.  The  whole  force  of  our  army  wag 
disposed  of  as  follows  :  The  fifth  Texas  mounted  volunteer  regiment, 
Colonel  Green,  and  Wallis'  battalion  (both  dismounted)  on  the  ex- 
treme right,  which  rested  upon  a  swamp  and  commanded  the  approach 
by  the  railroad  embankment.  The  Valverde  battery,  Captain  Sayers, 
on  the  left  of  Green's  command,  Colonel  Gray's  twenty-eighth  Lou- 
isiana regiment  occupying  the  centre,  with  a  section  of  Cornay's  bat- 
tery light  artillery,  and  Semmes'  battery  posted  along  the  centre,  and 
a  twenty-four-pounder  siege  gun  in  position,  under  Lieutenant  Yarl- 
ton  of  Cornay's  battery,  commanding  the  road  along  the  west  bank 
of  the  bayou.  The  gunboat  Diana,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Net- 
tles, of  the  Valverde  battery,  heading  down  the  stream,  on  the  line  of 
our  defences,  and  on  the  east  side  of  the  bayou,  the  Yellow  Jacket 
battalion.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fournett,  Crescent  regiment.  Colonel 
Bosworth's  eighteenth  Louisiana  regiment,  Colonel  Armant  with 
B'aires  Pelican  battery  of  light  artillery,  posted  along  the  line,  and 
Colonel  Bagby's  regiment  seventh  Texas  mounted  volunteers,  ( dis- 
mountedy)  thrown  forward  as  skirmishers  and  sharpshooters  to  the 
front,  and  in  the  roads  on  the  extreme  left,  which  woods  terminated 
on  the  left  in  a  swamp.  The  second  Louisiana  cavalry.  Colonel  Vin- 
cent, and  fourth  Texas  mounted  volunteers.  Colonel  Riley,  was,  during 
the  morning,  in  the  rear  of  our  line  as  reserves.  Learning  that  a 
gunboat  and  several  transports  of  the  enemy  had  been  seen  in  Grand 
Lake,  Vincent's  regiment  vras  ordered,  about  midday,  to  proceed  to 
Verdun's  landing  and  watch  the  movements  of  these  boats  preventing 


519 

them  from  making  a  landing  at  that  point,  which  was  only  four  miles 
to  the  left  and  rear  of  our  position.  A  section  of  Cornay's  battery 
was  ordered  to  report  to  Colonel  Vincent  at  Verdun's. 

Shortly  after  the  close  of  this  engagement,  I  received  information 
that  five  of  the  enemy's  gunboats  with  several  transports,  towing 
barges  and  flats  crowded  with  troops  and  artillery,  had  gone  up  Grand 
Lake,  and  were  lying  off  Hudgins'  point,  when  Vincent's  regiment, 
reinforced  with  another  section  of  Cornay's  battery  was  ordered  to 
that  point,  with  intructions  to  prevent,  if  possible,  a  landing  of  the 
enemy  at  Hudgins'  and  Charenton. 

A  few  hours  later,  I  proceeded  in  person  to  Vincent's  command, 
leaving  Majors  Brent  and  Levy  of  my  staff,  to  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  with  Brigadier  General  Sibley  for  an  attack  by  our 
forces  on  the  enemy  at  daylight  the  next  morning.  By  leaving  a 
small  force  behind  our  earthworks,  I  was  satisfied  that  the  other 
troops,  assisted  by  the  Diana,  moving  down  the  bayou  on  a  line  with 
the  attacking  column,  on  the  west  bank  of  the  bayou,  could  drive  the 
enemy  back,  throw  him  in  confusion,  and  render  it  necessary  for  him 
to  withdraw  the  forces,  which  he  was  endeavoring  to  land  in  our  rear, 
to  the  assistance  of  his  army  in  our  front.  Shortly  after  nine  o'clock, 
on  Sunday  night.  Major  Brent  and  Major  Levy  proceeded  to  commu- 
nicate these  orders  to  Brigadier  General  Sibley,  then  commanding  the 
lorces  south  of  Red  River,  but  the  supineness  of  that  officer  who  de- 
layed communicating  with  Brigadier  General  Mouton  until  two  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  and  his  positive  declaration  of  the  impracticably  of 
carrying  the  plan  into  execution,  for  want  of  time,  frustrated  the 
scheme  which  I  am  satisfied  would  have  accomplished  ilie  most  favor- 
able results  if  actively  attempted.  I  returned  td  our  iront  about  day- 
light, and  was  inforuieil  by  Mnjor  Brent  and  Major  L«vy  of  the  failure 
of  Brigadier  General  Sibley  to  organize  the  attack. 

On  Monday  morning,  at  about  nine  o'clock,  the  enemy  commenced 
again  to  advance  slowly  on  our  line,  having,  in  the  meantime,  thrown 
a  largely  increased  force  of  cavalry,  artillery  and  infantry  on  the  east 
bank,  and  concentrated  a  large  artillery  force  on  the  west  bank,  be- 
sides strengthening  his  front  line  of  attack  on  that  ban!:.  Lieutenant 
Nettles,  who  had  commanded  the  Diana  up  to  Monday  morning,  and 
had  handled  her  with  great  skill,  was  forced  to  retire  to  the  rear  on 
account  of  severe  illnesc,  and  Captain  Semmes,  of  the  artillery,  was 
placed  in  command  of  her, 

ILivirig  sent  Vincent's  regiment  to  the  lake  shore,  Riley's  regiment 
constituted  my  only  reserve,  and  during  the  morning  of  Monday  re- 
ceived information  that,  contrary  to  my  instruction,  Colonel  Vincent 
had  contented  himself  with  placing  a  small  picket  at  Hudgins'  and 
Charenton,  and  encamping  the  remainder  of  his  command  on  the  west 
bank  of  the  Teche,  and  that  the  enemy  had  secceeded  in  landing  a 
large  force  at  Hudgins'.  I  ordered  Riley's  regiment  to  proceed  to  that 
point  reinforce  Colonel  Vincent,  and  prevent  the  enemy  from  crossing 
the  Peehe,  and  falling  on  my  rear,  thus  being  compelled  to  deprive 
myself  of  all  reserves. 

At  about  eleven  o'clock,  on  Monday,  the  13th,  the  enemy  displayed 


52U 

in  our  front  (on  both  sides  of  the  bayou)|at  leapt  fourteen  thousand  men. 
and  advanced  -with  a  sliow  of  confidence  upon  our  earthworks.  A  fierce 
combat  was  kept  up  until  sundown.  The  cannonading  was  uninter- 
rupted, the  ent'Uiy  having  brought  to  the  front  about  sixty  pieces  of 
artillery,  many  of  them  heavy  rifled  and  Parrott  guns.  Our  artillery 
wasted  no  ammunition,  but  opened  on  the  advancing  line  of  the  enemy 
whenever  they  attempted  to  force  our  works.  A  battery  of  Parrott 
guns  concentrated  their  fire  upon  the  Diana,  which,  under  Captain 
Semmes,  was  pouring  its  fire  upon  the  centre  of  the  advancing  line, 
■when  a  shell  from  a  thirty-pounder  Parrott  siege  gun.  penetrated  the 
plating  in  front  of  the  boilers,  exploded  in  the  engine-room,  deranged 
a  portion  of  the  machinery,  and  killed  two  men,  [the  chief  and  one  of 
the  assistant  engineers)  and  wounded  five  of  the  crew.  This  rendered 
it  necessary  for  the  Diana  to  fall  back  beyond  the  range  of  the  ene- 
my's guns  and  repair  damage,  which  occupied  the  remainder  of  the 
day,  and  was  completed  only  about  midnight.  The  enemy  made  two 
attempts  by  charging  with  their  infantry  to  carry  our  right,  but  were 
repulsed  in  both  with  considerable  loss,  by  the  force  under  Colonel 
Green  and  Colonel  Gray.  During  these  charges,  the  Yalverde  battery 
rendered  most  efficient  service,  and  1  regret  to  report  that  its  gallant 
commander,  who  handled  his  battery  with  consummate  skill,  was 
wounded  during  these  charges.  The  twenty- eighth  regiment  Louisiana 
volunteers,  (Coldnel  Gray,)  and  Semmes"  battery  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  Parnes,  section  of  Cornay'a  battery,  (Lieutenant  (iordy,) 
and  detachment  serving  twenty-four-pounder  siege  guns,  (Lieutenant 
Yarlton.)  checked  every  advance  of  the  enemy  upon  our  centre,  and 
thwarted  any  attempt  to  force  it.  On  the  extreme  right  the  enemy 
was  not  only  repulsed,  but  driven  back  in  confusion  through  the 
thicket  which  he  nought  as  a  cover. 

On  the  east  bank  of  the  bayou,  the  forces  under  the  command  of 
Brigadier  General  Mouton.  behaved  with  the  same  signal  gallantry. 
On. that  bank,  the  object  of  the  enemy  was  to  turn  our  left,  and  gain 
the  woods,  under  cover  of  which  he  could  get  to  our  rear.  Colonel 
Bagby's  seventh  Texas  regiment,  M.  V.,  (dismounted,)  and  a  detach- 
ment of  the  eighteenth  Louisiana  regiment  held  the  left  against  all 
the  attacks  which  were  made,  and,  at  the  close  of  the  engagement, 
the  enemv  had  gained  no  ground  since  its  commencement,  but  had 
been  repulsed  in  every  attempt  to  force  our  position.  The  disposi- 
tion and  handling  of  his  troops,  by  Brigadier  General  Mouton,  are 
entitled  to  the  highest  praise,  and  the  gallant  manner  in  which  he  held 
his  position  and  punished  and  drove  back  the  enemy  is  worthy  of  the 
greatest  commendation. 

The  Pelican  battery,  Captain  Faires,  was  most  effectually  served, 
and  contributed  in  an  eminent  degree  towards  preserving  our  position 
on  the  east  bank.  During  the  engagement  on  our  left.  Colonel  Bagby 
was  -wounded  seriously,  but  not  dangerously,  in  the  arm,  but  remained 
on  the  field  with  his  regiment  until  the  enemy  had  been  driven  back 
and  ceased  his  attack. 

Our  ability  to  hold  our  line  of  defence  against  the  greatest  odds 
in  fftTor  of  the  enemy  was  fully  demonstrated  by  the  engagements  of 


5St 

Sunday  and  Monday,  and  notw^ithstanding  the  exhaustion  of  our 
troops,  consequent  upon  their  hard  service  for  the  two  preceding 
days  in  the  earthworks,  1  was  satisfied,  that  if  the  regiments  of  Vin- 
cent and  Rilev,  and  the  sections  of  Cornay's  battery,  which  had  been 
sent  to  the  Lake  shore,  could  be  successful  in  preventing  the  enemy 
from  lauding  in  iiiy  rear,  thus  enabling  me  to  use  them  as  reserves, 
and  relieve  the  troops  on  the  line  of  earthworks,  we  could  have  held 
our  position  or  driven  the  assailants  back  to  the  bayou. 

About  nine  o'clock,  Monday  night,  I  received  a  despatch  from  Col- 
onel Riley,  informing  me  that  the  enemy  had  landed  a  very  heavy 
force  at  Hagden's  tort,  that  he  had  met  Vincent's  cavalry  on  the  west 
side  of  the  bayou  Toche.  he  having  fallen  back  before  them  ;  that  the 
enemy  had  crossed  the  bayou  over  the  bridge  at  Mrs.  Porter's  planta- 
tion, and  that  his  (Riley's)  whole  command  was  at  Carl'ne's,  one  and  a 
half  miles  below  Franklin.  Thus  the  enemy  were  left  in  possession 
of  the  only  road  by  which  a  retreat  of  our  forces  towards  New  Iberia 
could  be  effected.  With  a  force  of  at  least  fourteen  thousand  men  in 
our  front,  and  the  movement  of  the  enemy  in  our  rear  with  heavy 
force,  the  situation  of  our  little  army  which,  at  the  commencement  of 
the  contest,  was  leso  than  four  thousand,  was  most  critical.  To  ex- 
tricate it  by  evacuation  of  the  position  at  the  earthworks,  and  cut  its 
way  through  the  force  on  the  New  Iberia,  above  Franklin,  was 
tha  only  place  that  pi osented  itself,  and  to  be  successful  it  must 
be  immediately  attempte<l.  1  theiefore  ordered  all  the  wagons  con- 
taining quartermasters",  commissary,  medical  and  ordnance  stores  to 
be  started  at  once  on  the  road  to  Franklin.  The  fifth  regiment  Texas 
mounted  volunteers,  and  Wallis'  battalion  mounted  men.  with  the  rifle 
section  of  Semmes'  battery.  Lieutenant  West  commanding,  constitu- 
ting the  rear  guard,  were  ordered  to  evacuate  the  position  below 
Bethel  before  (iaybreak,  cover  the  retreat  of  our  army,  skirmish  with 
the  enemy  if  the  pursued  us,  and  retard  his  advance  until  we  had 
forced  a  passage  through  the  column  above  Franklin.  As  soon  as 
these  orders  had  been  issued,  and  proper  instructions  given  for  re- 
moving the  sick  and  wounded,  I  proceeded  to  Riley's  command,  and 
moved  it  forward  above  P'ranklin.  Just  before  daylight,  this  command 
{Riley's  and  Vincent's  regiments,)  and  Clack's  battalion,  the  latter 
having  just  reached  me  from  New  Iberia,  and  two  sections  of  Cor- 
nay's battery  were  marched  to  the  field  in  front  of  McKevall's  sugar 
house,  about  a  mile  above  Franklin.  Clack's  battalion  was  employed 
as  skirmishers  and  advanced  across  the  field,  occupying  the  woods  in 
front.  A  section  of  Cornay's  battery  was  then  moved  up  the  bayou 
road,  and  took  position  at  the  lowest  edge  of  the  field  above  the  woods, 
and  Vincent's  and  Riley's  regiment,  with  Clack's  battalion,  was  posted 
in  line  of  battle  alotig  the  upper  skirt  of  the  woods  fronting  on  th« 
field 

Immediately  after  daylight,  the  enemy's  skirmishers  appeared  in 
the  upper  portion  of  the  field  in  front  of  our  line,  and  were  quickly- 
followed  by  his  forces,  consisting  of  four  regiments  of  infantry,  a 
battalion  of  cavalry,  and  a  battery  of  artillery,  (on  the  lett)  in  line 
of  battle.     We  opened  with  our  artillery  and  infantry  upon  them,  and 


522 

checked  their  advance.  It  soon  became  evident  that  it  was  the  pur- 
pose of  the  enemy  to  detain  us  at  that  point  until  his  column  from 
below,  had  come  up.  and  hemmed  us  closely  in.  At  about  seven 
o'clock,  the  twenty-fifih  Louisiana  regiment,  Colonel  Gray,  arrived  at 
Franklin,  reporting  the  remainder  of  our  forces  en  route,  several 
miles  behind.  I  immediately  posted  (.'oloncl  Gray's  regiment  on  the 
extreme  left  of  our  line,  and  with  that  of  Vincent's  and  Riley's  re- 
giments and  Clack's  battalion,  numbering  in  all  less  than  one  thou- 
sand men,  we  charged  the  enemy's  lines,  and  drove  hira  back  in  con- 
fusion, and  with  considerable  loss  to  him. 

The  enemy  then  displayed  a  much  larger  force,  which  up  to  this 
time  had  been  held  concealed,  and  as  a  reserve,  but  they  were  unable 
to  recover  their  lost  ground,  and  were  held  in  check. 

In  the  engagement  with  the  enemy  near  Franklin,  I  regret  to  an- 
nounce the  death  of  Colonel  Riley,  of  fourth  Texas  mounted  volun- 
teers, who  WHS  mortally  wounded  just  before  the  charge,  and  died  on 
the  field.  Colonel  Vincent,  second  Louisiana  cavaly,  was  wounded 
in  the  charge  in  the  neek.  Adjutant  Prudhomn\e,  of  the  same  regi- 
ment, in  the  thigh  ;  Captain  Bradford  in  the  neck  and"  leg.  All  these 
officers  were  gallantly  leading  their  men. 

Having  repulsed  the  enemy,  and  holding  him  in  check,  I  ordered 
the  gunboat  Dana  to  move  up  above  Franklin,  and  take  position  on 
the  right  of  our  line,  so  that  her  guns  would  sweep  the  fields  and 
roads  which  the  enemy  had  held,  and  placing  Brigadier  Gen.  Mouton  in 
command  of  the  troops  who  were  in  line  at  McKenall's  field,  I  re- 
paired to  Franklin,  and  pressed  forward  the  train  and  troops  just  ar- 
riving on  the  cut-oft"  road  from  Franklin  to  New  Iberia. 

Colonel  Green,  with  the  rear  guard  of  his  own  regiment,  Wallis' 
battalion,  and  the  rifle  section  of  Semmes'  battery,  had  left  the  line 
below  Bethel  just  before  daybreak,  all  the  stores  having  been  re- 
moved ahead  of  them.  A  twenty-four-pounder  siege  gun  and  a 
twelve-pounder  gun  of  Cornay's  battery,  the  latter  having  been  dis- 
abled during  the  action  of  Monday,  were  necessarily  abandoned. 

With  great  coolness  and  steadiness,  General  Green  retired  slowly 
before  the  lieavy  advance  guard  of  the  enemy,  opening  upon  him  with 
his  artillery  whenever  he  came  within  range,  and  charging  and  driving 
him  back  when  the  nature  of  the  ground  permitted  such  movements. 
I  had  given  the  necessary  orders  for  tlie  withdrawal  of  the  troops 
under  command  of  Brigadier  General  Mouton,  the  abandonment  of 
the  Diana,  by  Captain  Semmes  and  crew,  and  the  burning  of  that 
vessel,  bofitre  Colonel  Green,  with  the  rear  guard,  came  into  the 
town  of  Franklin,  at  t)ie  upper. end  of  which  town  the  cut-olf  road 
commenced.  But,  aa  I  have  since  learned,  Brigadier  General  Sibley, 
without  comniunicating  his  intentions  to  me,  althoui^h  I  was  in 
Franklin  at  the  time,  despatched  one  of  his  stall"  ollicers  to  Colonel 
Green  with  an  order  to  fall  back  at  once  through  Franklin,  or  the 
enemy  would  take  possession  of  the  road  above,  at  a  point  known  as 
Harding's  lane  and  cut  him  oil".  In  obedience  to  that  order,  Colonel 
Green  immediately  fell  back,  through  Franklin,  into  the  cut- oft' road, 
get  fire  to  the  briflges  on  the  road,  taking  it  for  granted  that  all  the 


523 

other  troops  had  passed  over.  Brigadier  General  Mouton,  with  his 
command,  then  retired — the  General  and  his  staff  crossing  the  bridge 
while  it  was  burning.  Captain  Semraes  held  the  Diana  in  position, 
faithfully  discharging  his  duty,  and  set  her  on  fire  only  when  Gen. 
Mouton  had  fallen  back.  Thus  by  the  unjustifiable  and  careless  order 
of  General  Sibley,  the  escnpe  of  Captain  Semmes  and  his  crew,  as 
pre-arranged,  was  prevented,  and  I  fear  that  he  and  a  greater  portion 
of  his  crew  have  become  prisoners. 

At  half-past  nine  o'clock,  A.   M.,  all  the  wagons  and  troops  had 
passed  through  the  town  of  Franklin,  and  as  the  rear  of  General  Mou^i 
ton's  command  left  the  upper  position  of  the  town,  the  advance  guard 
of  the  enemy  entered  the  lower  position. 

At  Franklin,  the  steamboats,  which  had  been  in  the  lower  Teche,  and 
used  for  transportation  of  troops  and  stores,  were  burnt  to  prevent 
them  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  with  the  exception  of 
the  stermer  Cornay,  on  which  the  sick  and  wounded  had  been  removed 
from  Camp  Bisland,  and  the  unheardof  plan  was  adopted  of  attempt- 
ing to  pass  the  boat  with  the  sick  and  wounded  on  board,  through  the 
enemy's  lines,  under  a  hospital  flag,  although  I  had  given  orllers  for 
a  sufficient  number  of  vehicles  to  be  in  readiness  at  Franklin  to  trans- 
port the  sick  and  wounded  by  land  to  a  place  of  safety.  The  course 
was  adopted  by  chief  Surgeon  Paush,  under  orders  from  Brigadier 
General  Sibley,  and  of  course  the  boat  and  those  on  her  fell  into  the 
enemy's  hands.  Our  troops  and  trains  then  proceeded,  encamping  on 
Tuesday  night  just  above  Jennarett's.  Colonel  Green,  in  command  of 
the  rear  guard,  covering  the  retreat,  keeping  up  almost  constant 
skirmishing  with  the  enemy's  advance.  On  leaving  Franklin,  I,  in 
person,  ordered  Brigadier  General  Sibley  to  march  at  the  head  of  the 
column,  preventing  straggling,  select  a  suitable  camp  for  the  troops 
and  wagons,  and  leport  to  me  the  selection  he  had  made  of  camping 
ground  for  the  night.  Keeping  in  the  rear  of  our  column,  1  was 
much  surprised  to  find,  late  in  the  afternoon,  that  the  order  had  not 
been  complied  with  ;  that  General  Sibley  was  not  with  the  command, 
but  had  taken  a  different  road  from  that  of  the  troops,  and  that  the 
men,  Avere  straggling  without  order,  over  the  whole  line  of  march  and 
adjacent  country.  I  immediately  despatched  a  note  to  General  Sib- 
ley, requiring  his  prompt  obedience  to  the  orders  referred  to,  but  not 
hearing  from  him  at  once,  I  selected,  in  person,  the  camping  ground, 
and  endeavored  to  collect  the  stragglers.  Late  in  the  evening,  Gen- 
eral Sibley  reported  to  me  in  person,  [said]  stating  that  he  was  sick, 
and  asking  permission  to  go  into  the  line  of  retreat  in  advance  of  the 
column,  which  request  I  granted.  Thus  commenced  the  scattering 
and  straggling  of  our  troops,  and  falling  back  to  Vermillion  bridge — 
nearly  the  whole  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fournett's  battalion  passing 
through  the  country  in  which  the  men  had  lived  before  join- 
ing the  army,  deserted  with  their  arms,  remaining  at  their  homes.  I 
was  compelled  to  order  the  destruction  of  the  gunboat  Stevens,  below 
New  Iberia.  She  was  in  charge  of  the  Navy  Department,  and  under 
command  of  Lieutenant  Humphreys,  C.  S.  N.  That  officer  reporting 
to  me  that  she  was  in  an  unfinished  condition,  and  unfit  for  actioA 


524 

with  the  enemy.  There  being  no  means  of  getting  her  out  of  the 
reach  of  the  enemy,  1  ordered  her  to  sink  as  low  ^own  the  bayou  ua 
possible,  so  that  slie  wouhl  afford  an  obstruction  to  the  enemy's  boat'- 
HRcending.  This  order  wjis  not  carried  out  as  given  by  me,  but  she 
was  sunk  about  two  miles  below  New  Iberia,  when  she  might  have 
been  sunk  five  or  six  miles  below.  The  retreat  continued,  halting 
only  for  the  night,  until  our  arrival  at  Vermillion  Bayou.  The  rear 
guard,  under  (Jolonel  Green,  keeping  almost  constantly  within  gun- 
shot distance  of  the  enemy's  advance,  skirmishing  all  the  time,  and 
# charging  them  frequently.  As  soon  as  the  whole  train  and  all  our 
forces  had  crossed  the  bayou,  1  had  the  bridges  burnt,  and  posting 
four  pieces  of  artillery  on  the  heights,  and  sharpshooters  along  and 
upon  the  banks.  The  troops  and  teams.  Avhich  were  much  e.xhausted, 
were  allowed  to  rest  fiom  Thursday  afternoon  until  midday  on  Friday. 

At  Vermillion  crossing,  sharp  skirmishing  was  kept  up,  and  no  de- 
monstrations of  importance  was  made  by  the  enemy,  while  our  forces 
were  encamped  at  the  bayou. 

The  retreat  was  recommenced  on  Friday,  and  on  Sunday  our  forces 
and  trains  left  Washington,  the  troops  and  commissary,  medical  and 
ordnance  wagons  proceeding  up  the  Bayou  Boeuf  road,  by  Moundville, 
and  rhe  ijuartermaster's  train  moving  by  way  of  Belle  Platte  and  Chi- 
cot, to  the  Bayou  Bopuf ;  the  two  trains  waiting  at  the  Boeuf,  about  six- 
teen miles  from  Cheney  villp.  After  crossing  the  Moundville,  I  had  the 
bridge  across  the  Bayou  Boeuf  and  Cocodrie  at  that  place,  the  bridge 
over  the  Cocodrie,  at  Judge  Moore's  plantation,  and  that  known  as 
LeHew's,  about  twenty  miles  above  Washington,  burnt.  Colonel 
Green,  with  his  rear  guard,  effectually  covered  the  retreat,  and  con- 
tinued his  skirmishing  with  the  enemy  until  near  the  town  of  Ope- 
lousas,  enabling  us  to  move  across  the  Boeuf,  and  beyond  danger  of 
capture,  an  extensive  train. 

On  Monday  morning,  J  started  the  whole' cavalry  force  of  my  com- 
mand, except  Wallis'  Ijattalion.  under  Brigadier  General  Mouton,  to 
the  westward  of  Opelousas,  in  the  open  prairie,  where,  from  the  nature 
of  the  country,  and  its  adaptation  for  cavalry  movements,  it  can  har- 
raas  the  enemy  on  his  flank  and  rear,  attack  his  trains,  and  if  not 
Huccesst^ul  in  preventing  his  further  advance  into  the  interior  of  the 
State,  will  render  it  so  slow  and  cautious  as  to  give  us  time  for  mak- 
ing such  disposition  of  our  forces  as  will  be  of  great  benefit  to  us. 

The  remainder  of  the  forces  are  now  encamped  at  Lecompte,  the 
terminus  of  the  Alexandria  railroad,  at  which  place  the  wagons  are 
also,  with  all  the  stores  except  such  as  have  been  brought  to  Alexan- 
dria. 

The  loss  sustained  by  us  in  killed,  wounded,  and  prisoners  captured 
in  battle,  1  cannot  at  present  estimate  The  number  of  prisoners  ac- 
tually captured  by  the  enemy  was  small.  ]  regret,  however,  to  report 
that  a  very  considerable  number  have  voluntarily  placed  themselves 
in  the  hands  of  the  enemy  by  stopping  at  their  homes  in  the.  parishes 
through  which  we  retreated.  A  very  large  proportion  of  our  army 
being  conscripts  unwillingly  put  into  service,  and  those  who  volun- 
teered at  a  late  date  to  avoid  conscription. 


I'roiii  Sibley's  brigade,  altro,  a  cousi-lerable  lumiber  have  i^trag^lc<l 
nfl",  and  returned  tu  their  homes  in  Texas.  This  wars  the  case  with  all 
the  regiments  of  the  brigade,  while  tliose  who  participated  in  the  en- 
gagement, and  in  the  c<mstaiit  tighting  in  the  retreat,  behaved  with  . 
distinguished  gallantj-y.  it  is  robe  regretted  that  a  great  lack  of  discip- 
line per\ades  the  brigade,  which  i^^  to  be  hoped  will  be  corrected, 
and  the  excellent  material  ren<lered  of  more  efficient  service  to  our 
cause. 

In  all  our  engagements  with  the  enemy,  and  during  the  lighting  on 
the  retreat,  running  through  the  ten  days,  the  conduct  of  the  officers 
and  troops  who  participated  therein,  cannot  be  too  higlily  extolled,  i 
Their  patient  endurance  of  f:itigue  and  privation,  pertinacious  and 
successful  resistance  of  the  pursuing  columns*  of  the  enemy,  are 
frorthy  of  great  cou  mendation. 

Brigadier  General  Mouton,  commanding  the  troops  on  the  lett  of  . 
our    line  below  Bethels,    and  to  whom  I  assigned  the  command  at  f 
McKeval's  field  after  this  repulse,  behaved  with  marked  gallantry,  and  r 
I  take  pleasure  in  bearing  testimony  to  his  skill,  fidelity  and  courage 
in  every  position  in  which  he  was  placed.     Colonel  Green,  command- 
ing the  rear  guard,  distinguished  himself  by  the  faithful  and  successful ,, 
manner  in  which  he  discharged  the  important  duties  intrusted  to  him.  ^ 
To  his  zeal,  vigilance,  and  daring,  the  extrication  of  our  little  army  ■> 
from  its  very  perilous  position  is  indebted  to  a  great  extent.     He  has 
shown  himself  equal  to  any  emergency,  and  to  him  and  the  officers  and  , 
men  of  this  command,  I  feel  proud  to  return  my  acknowledgements    In  , 
truth  he  was  the  key  of  our  retreat,  and  the  shield  and  buckler  of  our 
little  forces. 

Colonel  Kiley,  of  the  fourth  Texas  regiment  mounted  volunteers, 
who  fell  in  the  battle  of  Franklin,  was  a  gallant  and  chivalrous  sol- 
dier, whose  loss  I  deeply  regret.  ,,  *  ,4  f 

Colonel  Gray  and  his  regiment,  (twenty-eighth  Louisiana  volun- 
teers,) officers  and  men,  deserve  most  favorable  mention.  Their  gal- 
lantry in  action  is  enhanced  by  the  excellent  discipline  they  have 
preserved,  and  no  veteran  soldier  could  have  excelled  them  in  their 
conduct  during  the  scenes  through  which  they  passed.  I  cannot  omit 
mentioning  particularly.  Captain  Bradfort,  of  the  twenty  eighth  Lou- 
isiana regiment,  whose  bravery  and  coolness  was  conspicious  on  all 
occasions.  I  am  happy  to  state  that  his  wounds  are  not  dangerous, 
and  hope  that  he  will  shortly  be  restored  to  service.  Colonel  Bagby, 
who  was  wounded  in  the  action  on  Monday,  merits  the  highest  com- 
mendations. 

Colonel  Vincent  and  the  officers  and  men  of  the  second  Louisiana 
cavalry,  in  the  action  of  Tuesday,  and  those  who  participated  in  the 
retreat,  behaved  handsomely. 

Captain  Semmes,  in  the  command  of  the  Diana,  and  his  crew,  con- 
ducted themselves  with  the  greatest  bravery  and  intrepidity,  and  de- 
serves the  highest  encomiums. 

Lieutenant  West,  of  Semmes'  battery,  who  commanded  the  rifle 
section  on  the  retreat  from  the  lower  line  to  Jennarett's,  handled  his 
pieces  with  great  skill  and  efficiency,  and.,  inflicted  severe  loss  upo  n 


526 

the  enemy   in   his  pursuits.      Tins   ofTuHT    ;in'l   his    men    contributed 
largely  townrds  the  extrication  of  our  :inny  from  its  position  of  peril. 

Lieutenant  Yarlton,  of  Cornay's  buttery.  (-oniniMnflcd  the  twtMifT- 
four-pounder  seige  gun,  and  :ic(|aitt('d  himself  with  credit  and  dis- 
tinction. Captain  Sayers  and  the  oflicers  and  men  of  the  Valverde 
battery,  behaved  with  great  gallantry.  Captain  Sayers  was  wounded 
in  the  ankle  in  the  action  on  iNIonday,  the  loth.  Semmes'  battery 
fully  sustained  its  merited  reputation,  and  clid  efficient  service.  The 
Pelican  battery,  Captain  Faircs,  was  liamllcd  with  groat  skill,  and  all 
its  officers  and  men  bore  themselves  like  good  soldiers,  and  receive  my 
acknowledgements  for  their  brave  and  efficient  service. 

The  Confederate  Guard  Response  battalion,  Major  Clark  command- 
ing, which  reached  me  about  daylight  on  Tuesday  morning,  was  of  in- 
valuable service  to  me,  and  after  a  march  of  upwards  of  twenty  miles 
during  the  night,  entered  into  the  engagement,  near  Franklin  on 
Tuesday  morning,  like  fresh  troops,  and  bore  themselves  like  invinci- 
ble soldiers.  To  their  courage  is  added  thorough  discipline,  which 
they  kept  up  during  the  whole  retreat. 

In  mentioning  these  particular  corps  and  individuals,  I  do  not 
mean  to  detract  from  the  merit  and  gallantry  of  the  other  brave 
troops  of  the  command.  All  who  participated  in  the  fights,  mani- 
fested courage  and  devotion  which  is  worthy  of  all  praise. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Fournett,  who  was  deserted  by  the  most  of  his 
command,  displayed  courage  and  gallantry  throughout  the  engage- 
ment. Other  officers  and  soldiers  who  have  distinguished  themselves, 
will  be  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  Government,  when  General  Mou- 
ton's  report  is  received. 

I  cannot  speak  too  highly  of  the  service  rendered  by  my  staff 
officers,  and  those  of  General  Sibley,  who  remained  with  me.  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Herbert,  who  had  been  detached  from  his  battalion, 
the  (  Arizona, )  by  General  Sibley,  and  placed  on  his  staff,  remained 
constantly  with  the  rear  guard,  and  displayed  the  highest  ((ualities 
of  a  soldier.  Major  Ochiltree,  chief  of  staff  of  Sibley's  brigade,  was 
constantly  under  fire,  and  afforded  me  most  valuable  assistance,  by 
his  activity  and  daring,  as  did  Major  Roberts,  ordnance  officer  in  the 
Bame  brigade. 

Major  McGoffin,  of  General  Sibley's  staff,  was  also  very  active  in 
discharging  the  duties  entrusted  to  him.  Major  Levy,  Adjutant  and 
Inspector  General,  on  my  staff,  and  Captains  Morton  and  Guaier, 
volunteer  aids,  were  always  under  fire,  carrying  orders,  enduring 
fatigue,  and  hurrying  up  caissons,  when  the  severity  of  the  fire  made 
the  drivers  hesitate,  and  in  fact  doing  the  duties  of  couriers  as  well 
as  officers.  I  can  speak  in  the  same  terms  of  Lieutenant  Bonford, 
aid-de-camp,  who  joined  me  at  the  close  of  Monday's  action,  and  was 
present  at  the  action  near  Franklin.  Lieutenant  Bungier,  my  other 
regular  aid,  only  reached  me  at  the  Vermillions,  but  from  that  time 
shared  in  the  dangers  and  fatigues  of  the  retreat. 

It  only  remains  for  me  to  speak  of  Major  Brent,  my  chief  of  ord- 
nance and  artillery.  Posting  his  guns  with  great  skill,  he  superin- 
tended the  serving  of  them  iri  person,  always  in  the  right  place,  and 


I 


D.i7 


at  the  right  tini!\  he  merits  the  highest  conmieud.'ition.  Miijor  Surget, 
my  chief  of  stuff",  was  conipcHod  to  loniuin  ;it  Alexandria.  The  large 
territory  over  Avhich  my  force  was  necessarily  scattered  in  the  dis- 
tricr.,  rendered  it  important  for  him  to  remain  at  a  centrjvl  point, 
though  his  applications  to  join  me  \vere  urgent. 

The  consequence  of  these  operations  having  extended  through  seve- 
ral days,  this  repovt  is  necessarily  somewhat  lengthy,  nor  does  oppor- 
tunity offer  in  the  present  state  of  affairs  to  reduce  it  to  a  less  prolix 
form. 

I  am,  General,  your  obedient  servant, 

II.  TAYLOR,  Mojo,-  General. 


# 


BATTLE  OF  WHITE  SULPHUR  SPRINGS. 


REPOUT  OF  MAJ.GEN.SAM  JONKS. 


Headquarters  Department  West  Virginia, 
Dublin,  October  2,  1863. 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inypedor  General : 

General  :  On  the  evening  of  the  23d  of  August,  I  received"  in- 
formation from  Colonel  William  L.  Jackson,  that  Brigadier  General 
Averill,  United  States  Army,  Trith  a  force  estimated  at  over  four 
thousand  men,  consisting  of  cavalry,  mounted  infantry  and  artillery, 
was  in  motion  from  the  direction  of  Moorefield.  So  far  as  I  could 
ascertain.  General  Averill  was  on  a  raid  towards  Staunton.  Ho  had 
driven  Colonel  Jackson  from  Hightown  and  his  camp  near  Hunters- 
ville,  and  the  latter  had  fallen  back  to  Gatewood,  on  Back  creek,  on 
the  road  from  Huntersville  to  Warm  Springs.  I  had,  a  few  days  pre- 
viously, ridden  over  that  road.  Colonel  Jackson  accompanying  me  part 
of  the  way,  and  from  my  own  observations,  and  his  representations, 
believed  that  he  could  detain  the  enemy  on  that  road  long  enough  to 
enable  me  to  send  a  force  to  his  assistance,  or  place  it  in  the  rear  of 
the  enemy.  I  accordingly  ordered  the  first  brigade  of  my  command, 
Colonel  George  S.  Patton  commanding,  to  move  by  the  Anthony's  creek 
road.  I  joined  the  brigade  myself  on  that  road,  on  the  35th.  On  the 
morning  of  that  day,  I  received  a  dispatch  from  Colonel  Jackson,  dated 
at  nine  o'clock,  on  the  previous  day,  at  Gatewood.  He  informed  me 
that  he  had  driven  back  the  enemy's  skirmishers  to  his  old  camp,  near 
Huntersville.  The  tenor  of  the  despatch  induced  me  to  believe  that  he 
could  not  only  check  the  opposing  force  at  Gatewood,  but  could  move 
up  and  join  the  first  brigade,  at  the  intersection  of  the  Anthony's 
creek  road  from  Huntersville  to  Warm  Springs.  I  despatched  him, 
informing  kim  of  the  movement  of  that  brigade,  and  directed  him,  if 
possible,  to  join  it  at  the  junction  of  the  two  roads  above-mentioned. 
»4  » 


530 

I  have  reason  to  believe  that  he  never  received  my  despatch,  and  that 
it  v,as  intercepted  by  the  enemy.  Whilst  on  the  march,  on  the  2oth, 
information  was  received,  which  I  deemed  reliable,  that  the  enemy 
had  not  only  driven  Colonel  Jackson  from  Gatewood,  but  had  forced 
him  beyond  "Warm  Springs.  Still  remaining  under  the  impression 
that  the  destination  of  the  enemy  was  Staunton,  the  first  brigade  was 
ordered  to  turn  oft"  from  the  Anthony  creek  road,  and  take  a  shorter 
route  to  Warm  Springs.  After  ten  o'clock  that  night,  information 
was  received  which  satisfied  me  that  the  enemy  had  abandoned  the 
pursuit  of  Colonel  Jackson,  and  that  whilst  the  first  brigade  was 
marching  toward  W'arm  Springs,  General  Averill  was  advancing  from 
Warm  Springs  to  Callaghan's.  I  immediately  ordered  Colonel  Patton 
to  return  on  the  Anthony's  creek  road,  in  the  hope  of  intercepting  the 
enemy  on  the  road  from  the  Warm  to  the  White  Sulphur  Springs. 
By  a  night  march,  our  advance  guard  reached  the  intersection  of  the 
latter-named  road,  at  the  same  instant  'that  the  head  of  Averill'a 
column  debouched  from  the  defile  through  the  Alleghaney  mountains, 
on  the  road  from  Callaghan's.  General  Averill  endeavored  to  force 
his  way  through,  but  the  first  brigade  was  quickly  placed  in  position, 
when  an  engagement  commenced,  which,  for  five  hours,  was  very 
warm,  anc^  continued  at  intervals  until  dark  That  night  the  troops 
occupied  the  same  positions  that  they  had  taken  in  the  morning. 

The  enemy  made  two  vigorous  attacks  the  next  morning,  which 
were  handsomely  repulsed,  when  he  abandoned  his  position,  and  re- 
treated towards  Warm  Springs.  My  cavalry  and  artillery  were 
ordered  in  pursuit.  For  about  ten  or  twelve  miles  the  road  passes 
through  a  narrow  and  thickly  wooded  defile.  The  enemy  availed 
him.self  of  the  advantage  offered  to  retard  pursuit  by  felling  trees 
across  the  road.  1  was  informed  that  he  had  left  a  regiment  of  in- 
fantry and  a  squadron  of  cavalry  at  the  Warm  Springs  ;  and  under 
the  impression  that  he  would  make  a  stancT  at  the  latter  place,  tho 
first  brigade  was  pushed  forward  in  pursuit.  The  enemy,  however, 
turned  oW  from  the  direct  road  at  Morris'  hill,  and  retreated  rapidly, 
by  way  of  Iluntersville,  tow;ird8  Beverly. 

The  reports  and  accompanying  papers  from  Colonels  Patton  and 
William  L.  Jackson  will  give  the  details  of  the  engagement  near 
White  Sulphur  Springs,  and  of  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  The  con- 
duct of  the  troops  on  the  26th  and  27th  was  admirable,  and  they 
moved  forward  in  pursuit  with  spirit  and  alacrity,  and,  although  much 
fatigued,  without  straggling.  Colonel  George  S.  Patton,  commanding 
the  brigade,  displayed  good  judgment  in  placing  his  troops  in  action  ; 
and  his  gallantry  was  conspicuous  throughout  the  engagement. 

I  am  greatly  indebted  to  the  officers  of  my  staff,  who  were  with  me  : 
Major  W.  B.  Myers,  A.  A.  G.,  Captain  K.  L.  Poore,  engineer  corps, 
and  my  aids,  Lieutenants  Joseph  L.  Frazer  and  P.  C.  Warwick,  for 
the  intelligent  and  active  performance  of  their  duties.  Lieutenant 
Warwick  made  a  diflScult  and  hazardous  reconnoissance  of  the  enemy, 
on  the  night  of  the  25th  and  morning  of  the  26th. 

I  must  add,  that  on  receiving  information  of  Averill's  movement,  I 
telegraphed  to  the  Secretary  of  War  and  General  Lee,  informing  them 


531 

of  it,  and  asking  that  Jenkins'  brigade  of  cavalry  and  Wiiarton's  of 
infantry,  be  returned  to  me,  by  way  of  Staunton  and  Warm  Springs  ; 
and  they  were  ordered  accordingly.  If  Wharton's  brigade  had  moved 
by  railroad  to  Millboro',  as  I  supposed  it  would,  it  would  have  reached 
Callaghan's  on  the  evening  of  the  26th  or  morning  of  the  2Tth,  With 
that  force  at  Callaghan's,  and  the  first  brigade  pressing  in  the  rear, 
the  country  is  such  that  I  scarcely  think  that  General  Averiirs  com- 
mand would  have  escaped  destruction. 

On  first  receiving  information  of  the  enemy's  movement,  appre- 
hending that  he  might  be  aiming  at  the  Virginia  and  Tennessee  rail- 
road, I  warned  the  home  guards  along  the  line  of  that  road  to  be  in 
readiness  to  turn  out  at  a  moment's  notice.  On  the  night  of  the  25th 
1  ordered  them  to  turn  out,  which  they  did  with  great  alacrity,  and 
were  prepared  to  defend  the  important  points  along  the  line  of  that 
road. 

My  Inspector  General,  Major  Giles  B.  Cooke,  A.  A.  CI.,  was  in 
charge  of  my  office  at  Dublin,  and  was  very  active  and  energetic  in 
organizing  and  disposing  of  this  force. 

The  accompanying  topographic  sketch  will  illustrate  the  position 
of  the  troogs  near  White  Sulphur  Springs. 

With  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

SAM  JONES,  Mnjor  General. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  TATTON. 

Headquarters  First  Brigade  A.  W,  V.,  ) 
Lewisburg,  August  31,   1863.      ) 

To  Major  Charles  Stringfellow,  A.  A.  G.  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report.  I  ar- 
rived on  the  morning  of  the  26th  instant,  about  half-past  nine  o'clock, 
■with  my  command,  after  a  march  of  nearly  twenty-four  consecutive 
hours,  at  the  junction  of  the  Huntersville  road  with  the  James  river 
iind  Kanawha  turnpike.  Information  had  been  received  the  night 
before  of  the  presence  of  the  enemy  on  the  latter  road,  moving  in  the 
direction  of  the  White  Sulphur  Springs  and  Lewisburg,  and  I  had 
been  ordered  by  Major  General  Jones  to  endeavor  to  intercept  him. 
This  cross  read  is  about  a  mile  and  a  half  east  of  the  Springs,  and  is 
just  where  the  latter  road  emerges  from  a  mountain  gorge. 

The  enemy's  advance  was  discovered  just  as  the  twenty-sixth  Vir- 
ginia battalion,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  George  A.  Edgar,  reached 
and  passed  the  junction,  and  I  immediately  ordered  Colonel  Edgar  to 
countermarch  his  men  and  form  them  in  line  of  battle  across  the  road, 
facing  to  the  eastward,  and  to  deploy  a  company  of  skirmishers  to 
his  left  and  front,  and  to  advance  to  Miller's  house,  at  the  point  on 
the  accompanying  diagram.  This  company,  under  command  of  Cap- 
tain Edward  S.  Read,  commenced  the  engagement  by  firing  upon  and 
driving  back  the  enemy's  advance. 

Captain  G.  B.  Chapman's  battery  of  four  pieces  now  came  up  at  a 
gallop,  and  immediately  formed  battery  to  the  left  of  the  Huntersville 
road,  in  rear  of  Colonel  Edgar's  battalion  and  on  a  knoll,  and  opened 
fire  upon  the  road,  along  which  the  enemy  was  advancing,  and  upon 
his  reconnoitering  parties  whic.i  had  now  appeared. 

The  twenty-second  and  forty  fifth  Virginia  regiments  next  came  up 
in  fine  style  and  were  formed  in  line  of  battle — the  first  on  the  left 
and  the  latter  on  the  right  of  the  battery.  The  enemy  now  brought 
six  pieces  of  artillery  to  bear  and  opened  fire  upon  Chapman^  who 
replied  with  great  spirit  and  accuracy.  An  artillery  duel  of  great 
heat  ensued  and  lasted  for  more  than  two  hours,  when  one  of  our 
pieces  was  disabled  and  another  temporarily  silenced.  In  the  mean- 
time, the  twenty-second  rerriment  was  advanced  to  a  fence  running 
across  a  gentle  ascent  of  open  ground  and  five  of  its  companies  de- 
ployed as  skirmishers  to  take  possession  of  the  thickly  wooded  hill  on 
the  letf  of  Miller's  house,  connecting  on  the  right  with  Colonel 
Edgar's  skirmishers.  The  forty-fifth  Virginia  regiment  also  was  ad- 
vanced on  the  right,  through  a  cornfield,  and  took  position  with  Col- 
onel Edgar,  who,  with  them,  hastily  threw  up  a  rail  barricade  across 
the  TQad  and  bottom  to  an  abrupt  and  well  wooded  hill  on  their  right, 
in  which  Major  Woodram,  with  three  companies,  had  been  posted  to 
observe  the  enemy's  morements  in  that  direction.  Observing  that 
the  enemy  was  moving  forces  to  his  left,  I  ordered  Colonel  Browne, 


533 

of  the  forty-fiftli  Virginia,  to  move  by  the  right  flank,  possess  the  hill 
and  hold  it  against  the  enemy.  These  dispositions  were  scarcely  com- 
cluded  when  the  enemy  advanced  along  the  whole  line,  and  the  action 
became  general  and  heavy.  Our  skirmishers  in  advance  on  the  left 
were  now  hotly  pressed  by  largely  superior  numbers  ;  but,  under  the 
leadership  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Andrew  R.  Barbee,  of  the  twenty- 
second  Virginia  regiment,  held  their  ground  with  admirable  tenacity 
until  their  ammunition  was  exhausted,  when  they  fell  back  in  good 
order,  without  any  confusion,  and,  with  the  exception  of  a  part  of 
one  company,  which  was  able  to  rejoin  its  regiment,  were,  by  the 
nature  of  the  ground — forced  to  take  position  on  the  extreme  left  of 
our  line.  In  this  change  of  position  Lieutenant  Colonel  A.  R.  Barbee 
was  severely  wounded,  after  being  conspicuous  for  gallantry.  Re- 
peated charges  were  now  made  on  the  right  and  left,  which  were  in 
every  instance  handsomely  repulsed.  Desperate  eiForts  were  made  to 
dislodge  the  forty-fifth  regiment,  but  the  steadiness  of  that  regiment 
and  the  courage  and  skill  of  its  commander  foiled  them  all.  During 
this  time  the  fire  of  musketi-y  and  artillery  was  heavy  and  continuous. 
Chapman,  with  his  two  pieces,  gallantly  holding  his  own  against  the 
six  of  the  enemy.  The  enemy  were  bringing  fresh  troops  into  action 
and  strecgthening  their  position  and  line,  and  the  issue  of  the  con- 
test seemed  doubtful,  when  Lieutenant  Colonel  Derrick,  with  his 
twenty-third  Virginia  battalion  and  about  two  hundred  of  the  thirty- 
seventh  Virginia  cavalry  battalion,  arrived  from  Greenbrier  bridge. 
Ccdonel  Derrick,  with  the  tvs'enty  third  was  immediately  advanced  to 
the  left  of  the  twenty-second  regiment,  not  in  the  prolongation  of  the 
same  line  as  at  first  intended,  but  equally  as  near  the  enemy  on  the 
opposite  hill,  which  extended  in  his  direction.  In  order  to  get  to  his 
position,  Colonel  Derrick  was  compelled  to  move  under  a  perfect 
storm  of  shot  and  shell,  which  caused  some  loss  and  some  confusion, 
which  latter  was  quickly  remedied  by  that  gallant  officer.  In  obe- 
dience to  my  instructions,  two  companies  of  the  twenty-third,  under 
Major  Blessing,  advanced  through  the  open  field,  under  a  galling  fire, 
and  took  position  on  the  left  of  the  twenty-second  regiment,  where 
they  remained  during  the  remainder  of  the  action.  At  this  juncture, 
the  enemy  made  a  determined  charge  against  Major  Bailey,  near  the 
centre  of  our  lines,  who  handsomely  repulsed  them  and  drove  them 
back  in  confusion,  capturing  their  leader,  Major  McNally,  and  kill- 
ing and  wounding  many  within  fifteen  paces  of  our  lines.  This  charge 
had  hardly  been  repulsed  when  the  enemy  formed  a  squadron  of  cav- 
alry on  the  main  road,  who  charged  Colonel  Edgar's  position,  but 
were  driven  back  in  utter  confusion  and  rout,  many  of  their  horses 
coming  into  our  lines.  A  second  charge  was  no  more  successful. 
Having  thus  tried  the  left  and  centre,  a  very  heavy  force,  of  at  least 
two  regiments,  was  formed  to  force  my  right,  but  Colonel  Browne, 
ever  vigilant,  informed  me  in  time  to  send  him  Major  Claiborne,  with 
about  two  hundred  men  of  the  thirty-seventh  battalion,  and  with  them 
again  repulsed  the  enemy,  with  great  slaughter.  It  was  now  getting 
late  in  the  evening — the  enemy  had  been  repulsed  at  all  points,  and 
liot  a  foot  of  ground  lost  by  our  men  since  morning.     For  some  timo 


534 

the  action  was  almost  suspended,  except  for  the  droppin;::  fire  of  sharp- 
phooters  and  the  occasional  boom  of  a  gun.  Just  at  sunset,  however, 
the  increased  rapidity  of  the  firing  and  the  re-opening  of  artillery 
foretold  another  attack.  For  a  few  moments  the  firing  was  very 
heavy,  and  then  the  enemy  charged  Colonel  Edgar's  position,  but,  as 
usual,  was  repulsed  handsomely.  It  was  now  night,  and  after  nine 
hours  of  fighting  the  action  ceased.  The  enemy  still  remaining  in 
front,  sentinels  were  posted  in  front  of  the  lines,  and  the  two  forces 
lay  down  to  rest  less  than  three  hundred  yards  apart.  The  night  was 
spent  in  visiting  the  lines,  strengthening  the  weak  points  and  causing 
the  wounded  to  be  removed  and  cared  for.  At  daybreak  the  attempt 
was  again  made  to  storm  our  position,  but  with  so  little  spirit  that  it 
was  evident  that  the  enemy  had  lost  confidence.  They  replied  to  our 
artillery,  however,  and  maintained  a  brisk  fire  of  small  arms  until 
about  noon,  \vhen,  after  another  ineflfectual  attack,  they  commenced 
to  retreat.  Pursuit  was  immediately  made  by  Colonel  J.  M.  Corns, 
of  the  eighth  Virginia  cavalry,  with  a  portion  of  his  regiment,  the 
thirty-seventh  battalion  and  a  piece  of  artillery,  and  the  infantry 
advanced.  It  was  soon  found,  however,  that  the  enemy  had  so  heavily 
blockjided  the  road  in  their  rear  that  much  delay  would  be  expe- 
rienced. Pioneer  parties  were  detailed  to  cut  out  the  blockade,  and 
very  early  the  next  morning  the  cavalry  started  again  in  pursuit,  the 
infantry  also  moving  as  far  as  Callaghan's,  when  it  w^as  found  that 
the  enemy  had  passed  Gatewood's,  where  it  had  been  hoped  they  would 
have  been  intercepted  by  Colonel  Jackson's  command.  I  was  then 
ordered  by  the  Major  General  coirnianding  to  return  to  this  point. 
My  force  in  the  action  consisted  of  the  forty-fifth  and  twenty-second 
Virginia  regiments,  twenty-sixth  Virginia  battalion,  twenty-third 
Virginia  battalion,  a  detachment  of  the  thirty-seventh  cavalry  bat- 
talion and  Chapman's  battery  of  four  pieces,  in  all  about  one  thousand 
nine  hundred  men.  Colonel  Corns,  with  his  cavalry,  was  not  in  the 
action  on  the  first  day,  and  only  a  small  portion  on  the  second  day, 
yet  rendered  efficient  service  in  pursuit.  The  enemy's  force  was  all 
mounted,  about  three  thousand  five  hundred  strong,  under  Brigadier 
General  Averill,  and  consisted  of  five  regiments,  a  battalion  and  six 
pieces  of  artillery.  Our  loss  was  one  hundred  and  fifty-four  killed 
and  wounded  and  twelve  missing.  That  of  the  enemy  is  estimated 
by  themselves,  especially  by  a  captured  surgeon,  at  between  four  and 
five  hundred.  We  captured  one  hundred  and  seventeen  prisoners, 
including  a  major  and  three  captains,  many  of  their  wounded  and  — 
'.pieces  of  artillery. 

It  would  be  invidious  where  all  conducted  themselves  so  well,  to 
aiake  particular  mention  of  any.  But  I  feci  bound  to  express  my 
•appreciation  of  the  high  services  of  the  regimental  and  battalion  com- 
manders, and  Captain  G.  B.  Chapman,  of  the  battery.  I  also  take 
great  pleasure  in  mentioning  the  valuable  services  of  Major  William 
McLaughlin,  chief  of  artillery  of  this  department,  who  was  with  me 
during  the  entire  action,  and  aided  me  much  by  his  excellent  judg- 
ment and  acted  with  conspicuous  gallantry.  My  thanks  are  also 
>€specially  due  to  Lieut3nant  J.  W.  Branham,  of  General  Echols'  per- 


535 

eonal  staff,  who  has  been  serving  with  me  since  the  General  has  been 
absent.  He  did  us  great  service  by  a  reconnoissance  in  rear  of  the 
enemy,  the  result  of  which  he  reported  just  as  we  were  going  into 
action,  and  during  the  fight  he  exhibitcrl  the  utmost  energy,  skill  and 
courage.  I  take  occasion  also  to  call  favorable  attention  to  the  con- 
duct and  gallantry  of  Lieutenant  Noys  Rand,  acting  assistant 
adjutant  general  of  the  brigade:  Lieutenant  E.  0.  Gordon,  ordnance 
officer  ;  Lieutenant  James  F.  Patton,  acting  brigade  inspector,  and 
^lieutenant  Henry  C.  Caldwell,  volunteer  aid.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
A.  C.  Dunn,  although  under  arrest,  offered  his  s.^rviccs  on  the  field, 
and  throughout  behaved  in  the  most  soldierlike  and  gallant  manner, 
and  at  a  critical  moment  encouraged  his  men  by  his  voice  and  ex- 
ample. My  thanks  are  also  due  to  Majjr  Vv\  B.  Myers,  A.  A.  G.  ; 
Captain  R.  L.  Poore,  engineer  corps;  and  Lieutenant  P.  C.  War- 
wick, of  General  Jones'  staff,  who  gave  me  their  services  and  behaved 
most  gallantly.  I  must  not  omit  to  mention  the  valuable  services  of 
the  medical  staff  of  the  brigade,  Avho  were  always  on  hand  and 
promptly  attended  to  the  wounded.  Dr.  Beard,  of  Greenbrier,  not 
in  the  service,  was  present  as  acting  surgeon  of  the  twenty-sixth 
Virginia  battalion,  and  was  most  conspicuous  for  energy  and  efficiency. 
I  have  the  honor  to  remain. 

Very  respectfully,  vour  obedient  servant, 

GEORGE  S.  PATTON, 

Cohmd  commanding. 


RE  POUT  OF  COLONEL  COMS. 

IIeauo.uarters  EiniiTH  Vihoini.v  Cavalry, 
August  31,  1863. 

Colonel  Geo,  S.  Patton, 

Color.el  commanding  hri gadc  : 

Colonkl:  At  1  !  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  2.6th,  while  on  my  way  to 
lluntersville  nnil  Greenbrier  bridge,  I  received  a  dispatch  from  you 
Plating  that  the  enemy  was  at  Callaghan's,  and  ordering  me  to  join 
you  as  soon  as  possible.  I  started  immediately,  and  reached  the  bat- 
tle field,  near  the  White  Sulphur  Springs,  about  two  o'clock,  A.  M., 
on  the  27th,  when  you  ordered  ray  wen  dismounted  and  placed  on  re- 
serve, immediately  in  rear  of  your  centre.  Three  of  my  companies 
were  in  line  during  the  engagement  on  the  27th.  About  eleven,  A. 
M.,  the  enemy  having  been  repulsed  with  great  loss,  left  the  position 
occupied  by  him  on  the  27Lh,  and  began  a  retreat  in  the  direction  of 
Callaghan's.  Being  ordered  by  you  to  mount  ray  men  as  rapidly  as 
possible  and  pursue  the  enemy,  my  command  was  soon  in  the  saddle, 
and  in  rapid  pursuit.  The  enemy's  line  of  retreat  was  through  a 
narrow  ravine,  some  ten  miles  in  length,  and,  by  the  time  that  I  was 
able  to  reach  the  mouth  of  the  ravine,  the  enemy  had  commenceil 
blockadin-g  their  rear.  By  the  aid  of  a  riile-piece,  sent  to  my  assist- 
ance by  you,  I  was  enabled  to  dislodge  him  from  his  position  behind 
the  bb  ckade.  The  blockade  having  been  removed,  1  dashed  on  again 
in  pursuit  Such  was  thoir  facilities  for  filling  the  road  with  timber, 
and  the  formation  of  the  country  being  such  that  it  was  impossible 
to  get  around  the  blockude  with  cavalry,  that  I  was  compelled  to  give 
up  the  pursuit  until  morning.  Having  left  a  company  of  my  ccm- 
rnand  to  out  <5ut  the  blockade  during  the  night,  and  also  to  watoh  the 
movements  of  the  enemy,  I  returned  to  Dry  creek,  the  nearest  point 
at  which  I  could  get  forage  for  my  horses  and  provisions  for  my  men. 
^\hilstat  Dry  creek,  I  received  your  order  to  start  again  in  pursuit. 

At  five  o'clock,  A.  M  ,  on  the  28th,  at  the  hour  indicated,  I  started 
with  five  compnnies  of  my  command  and  a  portion  of  the  thirty-sev- 
enth battalion,  in  command  of  Major  Clayborne,  and,  finding,  through 
my  scouts,  that  the  enemy  had  lelt  Callaghan's  about  two  o'clock  in 
the  night,  •!  pushed  on  rapidly,  with  the  hope  that  Colonel  Jackson, 
who  1  understood  was  at  the  Warm  Springs,  would  so  blockade  the 
roads  and  otherwiK-  debiy  the  enemy's  retreat,  so  as  to  enable  me  to 
come  up  with  him  ;  and  it  is  the  opinion  of  all  D:y  ofiicers  and  myself, 
that  had  one  hmidiod  men  been  thrown  down  the  road  leading  from 
the  Warm  Springs  turnpike  to  Gatewood's,  that  they  could  have  so 
obstructed  the  rond  in  two  hours  time,  as  to  have  compelled  the  en- 
emy to 'abandon  all  of  his  transportation  and  cannon,  and  perhaps  the 
surrender  of  his  entire  command.  Finding  that  the  enemy  had  taken 
the  road  above  indicated.  I  pushed  on  as  fa«t  as  possible  until  within 
eix   miles   of  Gatewood's,  whenr  I  received   a  dispatch  from  Colonel 


537 

Jackson,  stating  that  the  enemy  had  passed  out  of  the  road  upon 
which  we  hoped  he  had  been  intercepted,  and  had  passed  Gate  wood's 
in  the  direction  of  Huntersville.  I  proceeded  to  Gatewood's,  and 
found  it  impossible  to  go  further  without  feeding  my  horses,  they  be- 
ing very  much  jaded  by  the  great  distance  they  had  travelled  the  day 
previous  to  the  battle  of  Dry  creek.  Whilst  resting  at  this  point,  I 
received  an  order  from  Major  General  Jones,  to  join  with  Colonel 
Jackson  in  a  vigorous  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  I  started  immediately, 
and  reached  Huntersville  about  sunrise  on  the  29th,  when  I  overtook 
Colonel  Jackson,  who  had  with  him  about  three  hundred  infantry, 
very  much  broken  down  by  the  long  march  from  Camp  Northwest  to 
Millsborough  and  back  to  Huntersville.  Colonel  Jackson  had  sent 
his  cavalry  by  a  short  route  to  Big  Spring.  Learning  that  the  en- 
emy were  still  at  Marlin's  Bottom,  I  pushed  on  and  found  that  his 
rear  guard  had  left  about  two  hours  before  I  got  there.  My  command' 
being  in  no  condition  to  pursue,  most  of  the  horses  being  broken 
down  and  barefooted,  I  concluded  to  come  back  through  Pocahontas, 
by  the  way  of  Frankford  to  camp.  Hoping  that  ray  action  in  pur- 
suit of  the  enemy,  although  unsuccessful,  may*  meet  your  approval, 
I  am,  Colonel,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  M.  COMS. 
Colonel  commanding  cavalry,  \st  brigade. 


HErOIlT  OF  COLONEL  BROWNE. 

IlEAnyrAKTKRS  Forty-fifth  Virginia  Regiment,  ^ 

'      JV/iite  Sulphur  Springs,    Virginia,         > 

August  29th,   18G3.  ) 

Colonel  Geo.  S,  Patton, 

Commanding  First  Brigade,  Army  Western  Va.  : 

Colonel:  Pursuant  to  general  order  No. ,  I  respectfully  sub- 
mit the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  my  regiment  in  the  bat- 
tle of  White  Sulphur  Springs,  on  the  26th  and  27th  instant: 

Lender  your  direction,  I  formed  my  line  of  battle,  the  left  joining 
lieutenant  Colonel  Edgar's  right,  at  the  junction  of  the  White  Sul- 
phur Springs  and  Warm  Springs  turnpike  with  the  Anthony's  creek 
road,  my  line  extending  across  the  low  ground  to  the  base  of  the  ridge, 
on  the  right.  By  your  order,  I  also  sent  one  hundred  men,  under 
Captain  Thompson,  company  A,  to  occupy  the  ridge  upon  our  right. 
Soon  after  1  had  formed  my  line  of  baiii--  ;'m  ■  caused  a  barricade  of 
rails  to  be  built  in  my  front.  Captain  Tuoinpaw/i  notified  me  that  the 
enemy  was  pressing  him.  I  immedi.'itciy  sent  another  companj',  with 
Lieutenant  Colonel  llarraan,  and  ijr>K'i.,'d  hiin  to  take  command  upon 
the  ridge.  In  a  very  short  while  Lieutenant  Colonel  Ilarman  sent 
rne  word  the  enemy  in  force  were  endeavoring  to  turn  our  right  flank, 
which  information  was  sent  to  you.  I  awaited  your  order,  which 
was  to  occupy  the  ridge  with  my  whole  regiment.  I  did  so,  mv  right 
resting  on  the  brow  of  the  first  hill,  at  a  point  opposite  the  toll-gate  ; 
my  left  opposite  a  point  on  the  road  about  one  hundred  yards  below 
the  hurt  house,  and  facing  from  the  same,  thus  forming  a  line  longer 
than  my  regiment,  which  I  occupied  by  placing  iny  men  on^  the 
strongest  points.  Previous  to  my  arrival,  Lieutenant  Colonel  ILivman 
had  repulsed  tiic  advance  of  the  enemy.  Whilst  placing  my  men  in 
the  position  indicated,  my  left  was  attacked.  Major  Davis,  whom  I 
had  left  in  charge  of  the  centre,  ordered  a  company  forward  to  sup- 
port the  left  wing  and  skirmishes  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Ilarman. 
This  order  lioing  promptly  executed,  the  enemy  was  repulsed.  This 
company  niovcil  forward  one  hundred  ya^ds  beyond  and  perpendicular 
to  the  line  of  my  left  wing,  which  line  I  afterwards  adopted  as  my  line  of 
defiMice.  When  I  first  occupied  the  ridge,  under  your  order,  I  found 
Major  Woodratn,  of  the  twenty-sixth  Virginia  battalion,  with  one 
company  and  parts  of  two  companies  of  said  battalion,  I  placed  this 
detachment,  with  two  companies  of  my  regiment,  on  a  ridge  upon  my 
right,  and  left  them  in  charge  of  Major  Woodram.  The  company  which 
had  advanced  to  the  front  of  the  left  wing  being  heavily  pressed  by 
the  enemy,  another  company  was  placed  in  position  upon  its  left. 
These  two  companies,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Harman,  repelled 
four  successive  charges  of  the  enemy.  During  this  time  the  enemy  were 
skirmishing  in  front  of  my  centre  and  right  flank,  but  was  promptly 
driven  back ;  and   Lieutenant    Colonel    Ilarman,    reinforced    by  two 


539 

companies  and  a  half  from  my  first  line,  ascertaining  the  enemy  was 
preparing  to  attack  me  in  greater  force,  I  found  it  necessary  to 
strengthen  my  line  of  defence,  and  Colonel  Dun's  battalion  was  or- 
dered forward  to  my  right,  which  was  promptly  done,  under  direction 
0/  Major  Davis,  and  in  time  to  assist  me  in  resisting  two  furious 
attacks  of  the  enemy,  reinforced.  This  battalion  was  under  com- 
mand of  Major  Claiborne. 

I  take  pleasure  in  attesting  the  gallant  bearing  of  the  officers  and 
men  of  that  command. 

Whilst  these  events  were  transpiring,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Edgar 
requested  reinforcements,  and  I  sent  him- about  forty  men.  During 
the  night,  Lieutenant  Col5hol  Edgar's  men,  under  Major  Woodrara, 
were  sent  to  him,  and  my  reinforcement  to  Ijieutenant  Colonel  Edgar 
withdrawn.  My  line  extended  to  the  right  by  the  addition  of  the 
companies  withdrawn  from  JNIajor  Woodram,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Edgar  was  strengthened  by  rails  and  logs  forming  a  barricade.  My 
entire  regiment  now  occupied  the  line  of  my  defence.  At  dawn  of 
day,  on  the  morning  of  the  27th,  I  repulsed  another  attack  of  tlie 
enemy,  after  which  there  was  no  more  fighting  upon  my  front  except 
an  occasional  shot  from  the  tree  tops.  During  the  engagement  I  kept 
a  line  of  skirmishers  from  my  left  wing  along  the  ridge  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Edgar's  right,  who,  in  connection  with 
my  left  wing,  gave  a  cross-fire  to  any  advance  upon  Lieutenant  Colo- 
nel Edgars  front.  During  the  engagement,  I  repulsed  eight  separate 
and  distinct  charges  of  the  enemy,  besides  frequent  engagements 
with  his  skirmishers.  In  a  majority  of  these  charges  the  enemy  came 
within  the  distance  of  fifteen  or  twenty  paces  of  my  line,  and  I  am 
well  satisfied  I  did  him  great  damage,  capturing  some,  and  killing 
and  wounding  large  numbers.  Notwithstanding  the  long  marches 
my  men  had  made,  (having  marched  about  one  hundred  miles 
during  the  four  days  preceding  the  engngement,)  1  had  no  strag- 
glers or  skulkers.  I  have  never,  on  any  battle-field,  seen  men  act 
cooler  and  braver.     They  fought  with  a  determination  to  do  or  die. 

I  hope  it  will  not  be  invidious  to  particularize.  Company  F,  com- 
manded by  Lieutenant  Crockett,  and  company  C,  commanded  by 
Cj^ptain  Cox  until  he  was  wounded,  afterwards  by  Lieutenant  Blevins, 
men  never  acted  better,  having  alone  repulsed  four  attacks  of  the 
enemy  in  vastly  superior  force.  The  assistance  rendered  by  my  field 
officers  and  adjutant  was  inestimable.  It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say 
that  they  behaved  with  marked  gallantry.  My  surgeon.  Dr.  B.  II. 
Hoyt,  rendered  every  needful  attention  to  the  wounded  and  exhibited 
the  highest  surgical  skill  in  his  operations  and  treatment. 

Enclosed  you  will  find  a  list  of  the  casualties  in  my  regiment 
resulting  from  the  action. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  C.  BROWNE, 
Colonel  commandmg  Forty-ffth   Va.  regiment. 


140 


LIST  OF  CASUALTIES,  Forty-fifth  Virginia  Regiment,  in  the 
engagement  of  August  26th  and  27th,  near  White  Sulphur  Springs, 
Virginia. 

Company  A — Killed  :  None,  Wounded  :  S.  W.  Witten,  commis- 
eary  sergeant,  mortally,  (since  died ;)  privates  J.  Farmer,  severely; 
C.  M.  >Ioore  and  M.  B.  Wingo,  slightly. 

Company  B — Killed  :   None.     AVounded  :  P.  F.  Blessing,  severely. 

Company  CL_Killed:  None.  Wounded:  Captain  M.  B.  Cox, 
severely;  privates  M.  R.  York,  severely;  D.  A.  Hale,  slightly. 

Company  D — Killed :  None.     Wounded  :  James  Blair;  severely. 

Company  E — Killed  :  First  Lieutenant  J  B.  Stewart,  Wounded  : 
Sergeant  II.  II.  Bearmer,  severely. 

Company  F — Killed  :  Privates  L  D.  Wyrick,  D.  A.  Dudley,  and 
G,  W.  Carr,  Wounded :  11.  B.  Wyrick,  severely ;  Amos  13rucc, 
slightly,  and  B.  P.  Thompson,  slightly.     Missing:  Harvey  W.  Hunt. 

Company  G — Killed  :  David  Mickles. 

Company  J3"^Killed :  None.  Wounded :  R.  H.  L.  Steptoe,  se- 
verely. 

Company  I — Killed  :  None.  Wounded  :  Corporal  D.  Montgomery, 
severely ;  private  A.  J,  Cordle,  severely. 

Company  K — Killed  :  None.  Wounded  :  Privates  A.  Cook,  Bry- 
ant, Ilavlers,  and  Sergeant  Reese  Gillespie,  slightly.  Missing  ;  Pri- 
vates John  Webb  and  Greenville  Webb, 

WM,  H.  BROWNE, 
Colonel  Forty-fifth   Va.  regiment. 


REPORT  OF  COLONEL  W.  L.  JACKSON. 

Headquarters,  September  18,  1863. 

To  Major  Chas.  S.  Stringfellow,  yi.  A.  G., 

Department  Western  Virginia  : 

Major  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  operations  of  my  command 
during  the  recent  raid  of  General  Averill,  U.  S.  A. 

On  Friday  the  2l8t  August,  1863,  at  one  o'clock,  A.  M.,  (mv  head- 
quarters then  at  camp  Northwest  near  Huntersville,  Va.,)  I  received 
a  despatch  from  Colonel  W.  AV.  Arnett,  commanding  detachment  at 
Hightown,  Va.,  that  the  enemy  in  large  force  were  in  Monteray  the 
evening  before,  and  that  he  had  fallen  back  to  Slaveras,  five  miles  this 
side.  I  di'^patched  the  information  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
post  at  Staunton,  (the  despatch  was  received  in  Staunton  at  two  o'- 
clock, P.  M.,  of  that  day,  a  distance  of  seventy-five  miles,)  with  the 
request  that  a  copy  be  iorwarded  to  General  Imboden.  I  also  des- 
patched to  the  General  commanding  and  to  Colonel  George  S.  Patton, 
commanding  first  brigade,  at  Ldswisburg,  and  expressed  the  opinion, 
in  the  several  dispatches,  that  a  raid  was  intended  upon  Stauaton,  and 
also  my  intention  to  so  move  as  to  get  in  the  rear  of  the  invading 
force,  as  it  was  impossible  for  me  then  to  get  to  their  front.  To  Colo- 
nel Patton  I  suggested  the  propriety  of  sending  a  force  to  the  Little 
Levels. 

My  command,  at  this  time,  was  in  detachments,  (rendered  necessary 
to  protect  the  lines  I  had  been  ordered  to  fuard,)  one  at  Hightown, 
thirty- five  miles  from  my  headquarters,  one  at  camp  Miller,  fourteen 
miles,  one  at  Thorny  creek  near  Grcenbank,  ten  miles  dist-i.nt  and 
the  other  at  camp  Northwest. 

I  directed  Colonel  Arnett,  if  pressed,  to  fall  back  to  me  in  good 
order,  disputing  the  advance  whenever  he  could,  and  I  proceeded  to 
draw  in  the  other  detachments,  which  was  accomplished  during  the 
day.  In  the  morning  of  that  day,  I  moved  Lieutenant  Colonel  Evans, 
with  a'detachment  to  Gatewood's,  on  Back  creek,  with  a  view  to  the 
protection  of  my  rear  if  the  advance  was  on  me,  and  to  be  my  advance 
guard  if  the  enemy  proceeded  to  Staunton. 

At  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  receiving  a  despatch  from  Colonel  Arnett 
that  he  was  being  pressed  and  was  falling  back  down  Back  creek  to- 
wards Gatewood's,  I  moved  my  infantry  to  that  point,  arriving  at  six 
o'clock,  P.  M„  (a  distance  of  nine  miles,)  leaving  my  mounted  men 
at  camp  Northwest. 

This  movement  was  despatched  to  the  General  commanding,  to 
Colonel  Patton  and  to  Colonel  Nadenbousch,  commanding  at  Staunton, 
expressing  the  opinion  that  Staunton  was  not  the  point  of  attack. 
During  that  night  the  mounted  men  (with  train)  of  Colonel  Arnett's 
detachment  arrived  at  camp  Northwest,  reporting  the  enemy  to  be 
within  eight  miles  of  that  camp,  advancing,  and  that  Colonel  Arnett, 
with  his  infantry  were  cut  off,  ^ 


/  542 

I  also  then  learned  that  Colonel  Arnctt,  after  moving  down  B.ick 
Creek  a  short  distance  for  the  reason  mentioned  ia  his  report,  had 
returned  to  Irving's  and  fell  back  skirmishing  with  the  enemy  down 
Knapp's  creek,  and  had  afterwards  been  cut  oiT  with  his  infantry. 
Upon  my  arrival  at  Gatewood's,  I  reinforced  Lieutenant  Colonel  Evans 
bv  two  companies,  and  moved  his  detachment  two  miles  up  Back  Creek, 
and  posted  the  residue  of  my  infantry  under  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Thompson  a  mile  in  his  rear.  On  the  next  morning,  the  22nd,  the 
enemy  advancing  on  camp  Northwest,  I  ordered  the  cavalry  to  Gate- 
wood's,  leaving  Captain  Ilutton  with  his  company,  between  Riders' and 
camp  Northwest  to  watch  the  enemy.  To  ascertain  positively  Avhether 
an  ailvance  was  being  made  on  Staunton,  I  ordered  Major  Kessler 
with  sixty  mounted  men  to  McDowell  on  the  Staunton  and  Parkers- 
burg  turnpike  via  Jackson  river  and  Warm  Springs.  I  also  ordered 
a  scout  to  Warm  Springs  to  watch  the  route  to  that  place  from  Back 
creek,  and  also  scouted  up  Back  creek.  In  the  evening  of  the  22nd, 
Captain  Hutton  had  a  skirmish  with  the  enemy  near  camp  Northwest 
was  forced  to  fall  back  to  Riders',  and  reported  the  enemy  making  a 
flank  movement  via  the  Little  Back  creek  route,  and  also  an  effort  to 
get  in  my  rear. 

Ascertaining  my  position  at  Gatewood's  to  be  not  so  tenable  as  I 
had  supposed,  I  moved  my  infantiy  that  night  to  Jackson  River,  on 
the  Warm  Springs  road,  leaving  ray  cavalry  a  short  distance  below 
Gatewood's.  In  the  moriiing  of  Sunday,  the  23rd,  the  enemy  not 
having  advanced  to  Gatewood's,  and  thinking  it  propable  that  they  had 
gone  towards  Lewisburg  by  the  Little  Levels,  I  orderel  my  infantry 
to  Gatewood's  and  the  cavalry  towards  camp  Northwest,  directing  the 
infantry  to  follow.  By  this  time  I  had  succeeded  in  bringing  Colonel 
Arnett,  and  the  infantry  cut  off  with  him,  to  the  command,  and  Colonel 
Arnett  was  j)laccd  in  command  of  the  cavalry. 

lie  moved  forward  and  finding  the  enemy  advancing,  he  engaged 
their  skirmishers  a  short  di.^tance  this  side  of  said  camp,  and  finding 
that  he  was  about  to  be  flanked,  fell  back  to  Riders'.  At  this  juncture, 
I  reached  the  front  ami  fli.scovering  the  condition  of  affairs,  and  also 
learning  that  the  enemy  had  been  reinforced  by  a  mounted  andflin 
infantry  regiment  and  by  additional  artillery  from  Beverly,  I  fell  back 
to  Gatewood's  and  remained  there  that  night.  The  next  morning, 
(the  24th,)  the  enemy  not  then  advancing,  and  the  horses  needing 
forage,  I  ordered  the  cavalry,  under  Colonel  Arnett,  except  thirty 
under  Liiutenant  G.  W.  Siples  to  Jackson  River,  Warm  Springs 
road. 

At  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  advance  came  ia  sight,  and  here,  after  a 
skirmish,  finding  them  too  strong  for  me,  I  fell  back  in  good  order  to 
Jackson  river  mountain,  (Lieutenant  Siples  in  the.  rear  skirmishing 
constantly  with  the  advance  of  the  enemy,)  and  posted  my  infantry 
to  stay  the  advance.  I  ordered  Colonel  Arnett  to  dismount  and  send 
one  hundred  of  the  cavalry  to  the  left  on  top  of  the  mountain  to  re- 
pel  any  flanking  party.  At  this  point,  I  prevented  the  enemy  from 
advancing  in  front  for  one  hour,  but  observing  that  they  were  sur- 
rounding me,- 1  fell  back  in  time,  for  ten  minutes  afterwards  they  sttr- 


543 

rounded  the  position  I  had  occupied,  and  discovering  my  retreat, 
rushed  after  me.  As  the  country  between  Jackson  river  and  Warm 
Springs  mountain,  gave  their  large  force  of  cavalry  the  advantage,  and 
as  I  knew  there  was  a  route  to  my  left  to  Warm  Springs,  which  they 
could  take  and  reach  there  before  I  could  with  my  train,  which  was 
then  but  a  short  distance  in  my  front,  I  fell  back^)  Warm  Springs 
mountain,  and  placed  my  command  in  position  for  defence.  Here  I 
remained  for  an  hour  before  the  enemy  appeared,  and  he  came  the 
route  I  did,  and  the  route  by  the  left  aforesaid.  I  soon  saw  that  the 
effort  of  the  enemy  was  merely  to  amuse  me  in  front,  while  he  moved 
a  force  equal  to  mine  in  my  rear,  and  also  on  my  right  flank.  After 
skirmishing,  I  fell  back  about  four  miles,  and  went  into  camp  about 
ten  o'clock,  P.  M.  My  pickets  that  night  were  beyond  Bath  Alum, 
towards  the  Warm  Springs. 

In  the  morning  of  the  25th,  I  ordered  my  infantry  to  the  opposite 
bank  of  Cow  Pasture  river,  and  I  proceeded  in  person  to  my  cavalry 
camp,  near  Bath  Alum,  and  to  my  outer  pickets.  I  then  ordered 
Colonel  Arnett  to  send  foot  scouts  to  the  top  of  Warm  Springs  moun- 
tain, if  possible,  to  ascertain  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  to 
hold  his  detachment  prepared  to  move  at  any  moment.  Finding  that, 
owing  to  a  misunderstanding  of  my  order,  my  infantry  had  been  moved 
near  old  Millboro',  (tw3  miles  this  si<le  of  Millboro'  depot.)  I  directed 
it  to  go  into  camp  at  that  place.  My  determination  was,  if  the  enemy 
advanced  on  me,  to  get  to  Paultier's  gap  near  Goshen  depot,  and  en- 
deavor to  hold  that  position  until  I  could  be  reinforced  from  Lexing- 
ton, by  the  cadets  and  artillery  of  the  Institute,  who,  with  Colonel 
Edmonson's  provost  guard,  under  General  F.  H.  Smith,  the  super- 
intendent, was  coming  to  reinforce  me.  In  the  evening  of  this  day, 
Major  Kessler  returned  from  his  scout  reporting  no  advance  of  the 
enemy  upon  Staunton,  and  the  road  between  Monterey  and  McDowell 
blockaded.  During  this  evening,  I  received  information  from  my 
scouts,  that  the  cavalry  of  the  enemy  had  moved  from  Warm  Springs 
on  the  Hot  Springs  route,  and  that  their  infantry  was  near  Warm 
Springs.  Ascertaining  that  the  enemy  from  a  point  near  Hot  Springs, 
could  move  to  my  rear  at  old  Millboro',  I  guarded  against  surprise 
from  that  point.  That  night,  I  went  in  person  to  my  cavalry  camp, 
and  directed  Colonel  Arnett  to  occupy  Warm  Springs  next  morning, 
if  possible. 

On  the  morning  of  the  26th,  I  ordered  Major  Kessler  to  take  his 
detachment  of  cavalry  to  Covington,  and  if  possible  to  Lewisburg, 
to  ascertain  and  report  the  movements  of  the  cavalry  that  had  left 
Warm  Springs.  By  twelve  o'clock,  M.,  of  this  day,  Colonel  Arnett 
arrived  at  and  occupied  Warm  Springs,  reporting  that  all  the  cavalry 
of  the  enemy,  with  six  pieces  of  artillery,  had  taken  the  Hot  Springs 
route  towards  Covington  or  Lewisburg,  and  that  their  infantry  had 
fallen  back  to  Gatewood's,  and  under  my  orders  he  proceeded  to  scout 
after  the  enemy,  I  did  not  move  my  infantry  this  day,  as  I  had  no 
reliable  information  of  the  movements  of  the  enemy ;  the  most  relia-  . 
ble  at  this  time  from  a  courier  who  met  Major  Kessler,  was,  that  the 
enemy   were   moving   through   McGraw's  gap  to  Jordan's  furnace. 


544 

Daring  this  evening,  Colonel  Edmondson,  from  Lexington,  with  forty 
mounted  men,  arrived,  and  received  a  despatch  from  General  Smith, 
that  he  had  arrived  at  Goshen.  Then  ascertaining  that  there  was  no 
movement  of  the  en^my  through  McGra^w's  gap,  I  dispatched  to  Gen- 
eral Smith  my  opinion  that  the  enemy  were  making  their  way  to  Lew- 
isburg,  that  I  wa^pnost  anxious  to  make  a  diversion  in  favor  of  our 
forces  there,  and  requesting  him  to  co-operate  with  me,  and  if  be 
could  do  nc  more,  to  lend  me  his  artillery.  This  he  declined  to  do 
for  reasons  satisfactory  to  himself,  and  accordingly  the  General 
and  Colonel  Edmondson  moved  back  to  Rockbridge  Alum. 

On  the  next  morning,  the  27th,  I  ordered  my  infantry  to  Warm 
Springs,  and  rode  forward  myself  to  that  point.  On  my  arrival  there, 
rumors  of  fighting  near  Lewisburg  reached  me,  and  reports  that  our 
forces  there  were  falling  back  before  the  enemy,  I  ordered  Lieuten- 
ant Siples  to  take  the  Hot  Springs  route  and  proceed  until  he  saw  and 
felt  the  enemy.  Captain  Lewis,  with  a  detachment  of  twenty  men 
moved  towards  Gatewood's. 

At  three  o'clock,  A.  M.  Friday,  the  28th,  I  received  a  despatch  from 
Major  Kessler,  that  the  enemy  were  falling  back  towards  Warm 
Springs,  and  for  me  to  be  on  the  lookout.  About  this  time,  William 
McChristie,  Esq.,  surveyor  of  Bath  county,  a  reliable  gentleman,  in- 
formed rae  that  the  citizens  were  effectually  blockading  the  Jackson 
river  road,  (Boiler's  or  Indian  Draft.)  1  requested  him  to  return 
(which  he  did),  and  see  that  the  blockade  was  made  complete.  I  or- 
dered Colonel  Arnett  to  have  the  road  to  Hot  Spings  and  the  road 
leading  from  Jackson's  river  road  into  the  warm  Springs  road,  near 
Richards'  mill,  blockaded.  This  was  being  accomplished  when  the  re- 
port arrived  that  the  enemy  were  near  Gatewood's,  on  the  Indian 
Draft  route,  and  to  that  place  I  moved  my  force  as  rapidly  as  possi- 
ble, overcoming  the  blockades  of  the  enemy  between  Jackson's  river 
and  Gatewood's.  Colonel  Arnett  arrived  at  Gatewood's  in  time  to 
fire  on  the  pickets,  and  see  the  rear  of  the  enemy  in  rapid  retreat, 
and  following  them  to  Little  Back  creek,  he  turned  to  the  right  across 
the  mountain  to  blockade  the  Knapp's  creek  road.  Arriving  at  Little 
Back  creek,  and  ascertaining  Col.  Arnett's  movements,  and  being  sat- 
isfied that  the  enemy  would  not  take  the  Knapp's  creek  road,  I  ordered 
him  back,  and  to  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  on  the  Huntersville  road. 
Directing  the  infantry  under  Lieut.  Col.  Evans  to  follow  as  rapidly  as 
possible,  I  moved  on  with  the  cavalry.  Between  Riders'  and  Camp 
Northwest,  about  six  o'clock,  P.  M.,  of  the  2Sth,  1  received  the  des- 
patch of  the  General  commanding  dated  the  27th,  and  headed  via 
Union  and  Dublin,  announcing  the  victory  at  White  Sulphur  Springs, 
and  intimating  that  the  enemy  were  retreating  towards  Warm.  Springs, 
and  that  his  force  was  in  pursuit,  and  directing  me  to  push  on  and  de- 
stroy them  if  possible.  Pushing  on,  my  advance  run  in  the  pickets 
at  Huntersville,  and  discovered  the  enemy  there,  apparently  intend- 
ing to  make  a  stand  in  supporting  distance  of  the  infantry  regiment 
which  had  been  left  in  their  rear.  That  regiment,  I  have  since  learned, 
was  then  at  Marlin's  bottom,  six  and  one  half  miles  from  Hunters- 
ville. 


1 


545 

As  it  was  now  dark,  and  as  no  reinforcement  arrived  to  assist  in  the 
pursuit,  I  halted  at  and  near  Carap  Northwest,  with  a  view  not  then 
to  press  the  pursuit,  until  I  could  move  a  force  by  the  Clover  Lick 
route  in  ahead  of  the  enemy,  at  Big  Spring,  to  blockade  the 
road  and  hold  the  enemy  until  we  could  get  up  to  their  rear.  It  was 
entirely  practicable  to  so  move,  and  then,  with  any  reinforcement 
that  might  arrive,  attack.  Accordingly,  I  directed  Colonel  Arnett, 
with  the  cavalry  at  his  disposal,  after  resting  a  few  hours  to  make 
that  movement  during  the  night.  At  ten  o'clock,  P.  M.,  I  received  a 
dispatch  from  Colonel  Coms,  commanding  eighth  Virginia  cavalry, 
and  Dun's  battalion,  that  he  had  arrived  at  Gatewood's.  I  requested 
him  to  come  on  as  soon  as  possible.  At  two  o'clock,  A.  M.,  the  '29th, 
Colonel  Arnett  started  up  Knapp's  Creek  to  take  the  Clover  Lick 
route,  and  as  soon  as  it  was  light,  I  directed  the  infantry,  under  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Evans,  to  move  towards  Iluntersville.  Arriving  at 
that  place,  (having  to  overcome  a  blcckade,)  I  found  that  the  enemy 
had  gone  on  towards  Marlin's  Bottom,  and  to  that  point  I  directed 
my  infmtry.  Stopping  to  write  a  despatch.  Colonel  Coms  arrived, 
and  I  requested  him  to  send  two  hundred  men  to  reinforce  Colonel 
Arnett,  who  had  gone  the  Clover  Lick  route,  offering  to  furnish 
guides,  and  expressing  the  opinion  that  there  was  yet  time  to  make 
the  movement.  After  counselling  with  several  officers,  he  decided 
that  his  horses  could  not  make  the  trip  in  their  then  condition.  I  then 
requested  him  to  come  on  to  Marlin's  Bottom,  to  which  he  assented 
and  moved  accordingly.  Arriving  at  Marlin's  J^ottora,  the  rear  of 
the  enemy  in  retreat,  was  reported  as  not  being  far  from  the  bridge. 
I  requested  Colonel  Coms  to  move  his  command  rapidly  up  the  bot- 
tom, cross  the  river,  and  endeavor  to  cut  oif  some  of  the  rear  of  the 
enemy.  He  replied  that  his  horses  could  not  raise  a  trot.  Arriving 
at  the  bridge  and  riding  forward  with  Colonel  Coms,  we  concluded 
the  rear  of  the  enemy  was  about  one  mile  distant.  He  afterwards 
moved  towards  Lewisburg.  By  this  time  Major  Kesslcr's  detachment 
arrived,  and  I  ordered  him  to  pursue  as  rapidly  as  he  could,  in  the 
then  condition  of  his  horses,  and  the  infantry  to  follow.  •  Arriving  at 
Edra  and  finding  that  my  infantry  could  go  no  further,  and  could  not 
catch  the  enemy,  I  halted  them.  Major  Kessler  had  gone  on.  Here 
I  despatched  to  Colonel  Wharton,  at  Warm  Springs,  who  had  in- 
formed me  that  he  was  coming  on,  that  it  was  useless  for  him  to  do  so. 
Colonel  Arnett  on  that  day  did  get  in  ahead  of  the  enemy  at  Big 
Spring,  blockaded  the  road  beyond,  posted  some  of  his  men,  delayed 
and  fired  upon  the  enemy,  but  with  his  small  force  could  do  nothing 
more.  His  report  is  herewith  enclosed.  I  think  his  conduct  through- 
out is  praiseworthy.  Major  Kessler,  owing  to  the  blockades  of  the 
enemy  and  the  condition  of  his  horses  could  not  get  up  in  time.  His 
report  ajcompauies  this.  When  General  Averill  arrived  at  Monte- 
rey his  force  was  not  less  than  three  thousand  men.  He  was  after- 
wards reinforced  by  two  regiments.  He  had,  in  addition,  eight  pieces 
of  artillery.  This  whole  force  came  up  after  me  to  Warm  Springs. 
At  no  time,  when  I  had  all  together,  had  I  more  than  one  thousand 
eflfective  men. 
35 


546 

Throughout  the  -whole  affair  I  had  no  artillery.  The  Government 
cattle  within  ray  lines  were  eavcd.     My  train  was  safely  brought  out. 

My  loss  in  wounded  and  missing  will  not  exceed  twenty,  and  only 
a  few  guns  and  saddles,  which  could  not  be  brought  out,  were 
destroyed  by  the  enemy.  I  recaptured  a  number  of  cattle  and  horses 
belonging  to  citizens  and  captured  a  number  of  horses  from  the 
enemy.  These  I  will  report  as  soon  as  I  can  get  them  together.  The 
loss  of  the  enemy  in  the  various  skirmishes  with  my  command  is  be- 
lieved to  be  about  twenty-five  killed,  a  number  wounded,  and  twenty 
prisoners,  I  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  the  number  wounded. 
General  Averill's  command  suflfered  severely  during  his  whole  ad- 
vance, the  fight  at  White  Sulphur,  and  throughout  his  whole  retreat. 

My  command  throughout — oflBcers  and  men — behaved  woll^  endur- 
ing patiently  great  hardships  and  conducted  themselves  as  well  as 
any  new  recruits  under  the  same  circumstances. 

Regretting  that  I  did  not  accomplish  more,  but  respectfully  sub- 
mitting that  with  all  the  means  and  information  before  me,  I  accom- 
plished all  that  was  possible. 

I  am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  L.  JACKSON, 
Colonel  commanding  Huntersville  line. 

1\  S. — I  neglected  to  say  in  the  proper  place,  that  when  I  first  arrived 
at  Gatewood's,  and  on  several  occasions,  I  despatched  to  Colonel 
Patton,  (with  the  request  that  he  forward  to  the  General  command- 
ing,) my  opinion  that  the  enemy  would,  after  driving  my  command 
out  of  the  way,  proceed  to  Lewisburg,  and  I  also  despatched  to  him, 
with  the  same  request,  all  my  movements  until  after  I  had  fallen 
back  from  Warm  Springs. 

WM.  L.  JACKSON,  Colonel,  ^x. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  DERRICK. 


Headq'rs  Twentv-thikd  Battalio.v  Va.  Volunteers, 
W/iiie  Sulphur  Springs,  August  29,  1863. 


I 


Colonel  Geo.  S.  Patton, 

Commanding  First  Brigade  : 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  the  twenty-third  battalion  in  the  battle  of  White  Sulphur 
Springs,  on  the  26th  and  27th  instant  : 

I  arrived  on  the  field  about  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. ;  was  ordered  to> 
support  the  twenty-second  regiment  Virginia  volunteers  I  imme- 
diately proceeded  by  the  most  direct  route  to  gain  a  position  on  the 
prolongation  of  the  line  occupied  by  the  twenty-second,  but  upon, 
arriving  on  the  ground,  I  found  that  \t  would  be  utterly  impossible- 
to  maintain  that  position.  I,  therefore,  placed  ray  command  some 
hundred  yards  to  the  rear  of  the  left  of  the  line  previously  occupiedi 
by  our  force.  I  then  made  dispositions  of  the  force  under  me  to  se^ 
cure  the  left  of  the  line  in  my  front,  aad  also  to  prevent  any  flank 
movement  of  the  eriemy  on  our  extreme  left.  In  obedience  to 
instructions  recieved  from  yourself,  I  ordered  two  companies  from  my 
right  to  strengthen  and  support  the  left  of  the  twenty-second  \''ir- 
ginia.  These  companies,  led  by  Major  Blessing,  gallantly  charged 
to  the  position  assigned  them  through  a  perfect  storm  of  shot,  shell, 
and  balls  about  one  o'clock,  P.  M.*,  on  the  26th.  The  position  thus 
obtained  by  the  twenty-third  battalion  was  maintained  until  the 
enemy  retreated. 

The  line  was  almost  continuously  engaged  from  the  time  the 
troops  arrived  on  the  field  until  about  twelve,  M.,  on  the  27th. 
instant. 

Tno  following  is  a  list  of  casualties  in  the  battalion  : 

Field  and  Staff — Killed  :  Sergeant  Major  Wm.  H.  Suavely. 

Company    A — Killed :     Private    James    A.    Wilson.      Wounded : 
Privates  Williaia  J.  Mann,  mortally;  William  Durman,  in  shoulder;, 
S.  M.  Bishop,  in  foot ;  Abramam  Gross,,  both  legs. 

Companxj  B — Wounded:    Privates  A.  G.  P.   Farley,  shoulder  and! 
body  ;  John  Young,  and  James  H.  Johnston. 

Company  C — Killed  :  Private  Wm.  Bircham.     Wounded  :  J.  Loock- 
adoo,  shoulder ;  A.  B.  Shawver,  upper  lip. 

Company  D — Wounded :     Privates    M.    Daughten,    wrist ;    D.  A.. 
Daugherty. 

Company  E — Wounded  :  Privates  Geo.  A.  Buchanan,  leg,  andJaoi. 
S.  Newton. 

Company  F — Wounded;  Privates  D.  W.  Goodpasture,  sine^dfead', - 
Amos  Graham,  finger.  * 

Company  G — Wounded :  Private  Samuel  H.  Lilly,  foot. 


548 

Company  //—Wounded  :  Privates  M.    H.    Anderson,  arm  ;  R.  G. 

AnderBon. 

I  am,  Colonel,  very  respectfully, 

your  obedient  servant, 

C.  DERRICK, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  LIEUTENANT  COLONEL  EDGAR? 

Headquarters  Twenty-sixth  Virginia  Battalion,  ) 
Camp    White  Sulphur  Springs^  August  9,  1863.      J 

Lieutenant  Noys   Rand,  A.  A.  A.  G.  First  Brigade  : 

Lieutenant  :  It  becomes  my  duty  to  submit,  through  you,  to  tho 
Colonel  commanding  a  report  of  the  part  which  the  twenty-sixth  Vir- 
ginia battalion  bore  in  the  engagement  of  the  26th  and  27th  instants. 

Upon  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  I  was  ordered  to  throw  my  bat- 
talion across  the  turnpike  at  its  intersection  with  the  road  leading 
from  Anthony's  creek.  I  immediately  formed  four  of  my  companies 
on  the  left  of  tho  intersection  of  the  two  roads,  and  ordered  Major 
Woodrara  to  form  the  other  four  on  the  right.  Major  W.  formed  his 
companies  further  to  the  right  than  was  intended,  placing  them  in  the 
edge  of  the  woods  on  the  right  of  the  bottom ;  but  the  position  se- 
lected by  him  being  a  good  one,  he  was  ordered  to  remain  there. 

Whilst  the  battalion  was  forming,  I  caused  the  road  to  be  block- 
aded and  threw  forward  a  company  (Captain  E.  S.  Read's)  as 
skirmishers  in  front  of  my  left  wing.  Shortly  after  these  disposi- 
tions were  made,  the  forty-fifth  Virginia  regiment  was  ordered  up  to 
occupy  the  space  left  between  my  right  and  left  wings.  I  then  with- 
drew one  company  from  Major  Woodram  and  placed  it  on  my  left. 
Soon  afterwards  the  forty-fifth  regiment  was  ordered  to  another  posi- 
tion, leaving  me  (with  but  four  companies)  to  defend  the  whole  line 
from  the  mountain,  on  my  right,  to  the  field  occupied  by  the  twenty- 
second  Virginia  regiment,  on  my  left.  My  skirmishers  opened  the 
engagement  about  half-past  nine,  A  M.,  and,  after  exhausting  their 
ammunition,  were  compelled  to  fall  back  to  the  left  of  the  line  occu- 
pied by  the  twenty-third  Virginia  battalion.  The  firing  then  became 
general  between  my  main  line  and  the  enemy's  infantry  and  artillery, 
and  continued,  with  scarcely  any  intermission,  until  about  two 
o'clock,  when  a  furious  charge  was  made  on  my  centre  by  a  squadron 
of  cavalry,  numbering  about  a  hundred  men.  This  charge  was  suc- 
cessfully resisted,  not  more  than  five  of  the  enemy  returning  in  their 
saddles.  A  second  charge  was  soon  after  made  by  a  company  of 
cavalry,  which  was  resisted  with  equal  success.  In  these  charges  a 
number  of  wounded  prisoners,  horses  and  cavalry  equipments  were 
captured.  There  was  but  little  firing  upon  my  line  from  this  time 
(about  half-past  two,  P.  M.,)  until  five  or  half-past  five,  P.  M.,  when 
a  heavy  fire  was  opened  upon  it  and  continued  until  eight,  P.  M., 
dui-ing  which  a  heavy  line  o^the  enemy's  infantry  charged  upon  my 
position,  delivering  its  fire,  as  nearly  as  I  could  judge,  for  it  was 
after  dark,  not  more  than  fifty  yards  from  our  position.  This  charge 
was  most  successfully  resisted,  but  with  heavy  loss,  the  enemy  re- 
tiring about  eight  o'clock.  During  the  night  of  the  26th  my  line 
was  strengthened,  the  three  companies  in  command  of  Major  Wood- 
ram  being  withdrawn  from  the  mountain  to  strengthen  my  right,  and 


550 

a  company  of  the  eighth  Virginia  cavalry,  under  jNIajor  Bowen,  being 
placed  on  my  left  Hank,  On  the  morning  of  the  27th  my  line  wag 
furthef  strengthened  by  the  accession,  of  a  company  of  the  eighth 
Virginia  cavalry  to  in}''  right  flank.  My  pickets  were  driven  in  about 
five,  A,  M.,  and  a  desultory  fire  was  kept  up  between  our  sharp- 
gbooters  and  those  of  the  enemy  until  about  eleven,  A.  M.,  at  which 
time  a  spirited  fire  was  commenced,  which  was  continued  until  the 
enemy  retired  about  twelve,  M.  My  skirmishers  then  advanced,  by 
order  of  Colonel  Patton,  commanding  brigade,  until  it  became  known 
that  the  enemy's  position  had  been  abandoned  and  his  forces  were  in 
precipitate  retr9iit.  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  be  able  to  bear  tes- 
timony to  the  general  good  conduct  of  the  oflSicers  and  men  of  my 
command  during  the  entire  engagement.  Though  my  command  occu- 
pied a  much  longer  and  weaker  line  than  it  was  reasonable  to  expect 
60  small  a  command  to  hold,  there  was  not  a  moment  at  which  there 
was  the  least  faltering.  On  the  contrary,  both  officers  and  men  dis- 
played at  all  times  courage  and  efficiency,  that  I  have  never  seen 
excelled 

But,  whilst  all  did  their  duty,  I  desire  especially  to  commend  the 
gallantry  and  efficiency  of  Major  Richard  Woodram,  Captain  John  S. 
Swann,  Captain  T.  C.  Morton,  Captain  James  Peck,  Adjutant  li.  B. 
Craig,  Lieutenant  J.  W.  McDowell,  Cadet  Welch,  private  Peters  of 
company  C,  and  private  Jones  of  company  E.  The  following  persons 
are  highly  commended  by  their  company  commanders:  Sergeants 
Wertcuibnkcr  and  Woods,  privates  Joseph  Ilolcomb,  Edward  Raines, 
John  P.  Hannah  and  George  A.  Peal,  company  A  ;  privates  Tallon 
Scudder  and  William  Loadermilk,  company  B  ;  Sergeant  Thompson, 
Corporal  J.  F.  Ervin,  and  private  Robert  Humphreys,  company  D; 
first  Lieutenant  E.  M.  Spradlin  and  Sergeant  J.  L.  A.  Corley,  com- 
pany F ;  Lieutenant  James  l*eck  and  Sergeant  Robert  P.  Haynes, 
company  H. 

Captain  Edward  S.  Read's  company  having  been  compelled,  whilst 
deployed  as  skirmishers,  to  retire  to  the  left  of  the  twenty-third  bat- 
talion, I  had  no  opportunity  of  noticing  the  conduct  of  its  officers  on 
the  field,  but  feel  confident  they  sustained  their  reputation  for  gal- 
lantry and  efficiency  in  action.  The  strength  of  the  battalion  on  the 
2Gth  was  about  three  hundred,  and  on  the  27th  about  three  hundred 
and  twenty-five  men.  Our  loss,  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  was 
thirty-two  officers  and  men,  a  list  of  whom  is  herewith  enclosed.  I 
take  great  pleasure  in  adding  that  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and 
men  of  the  eighth  Virginia  cavalry,  who  supported  my  right  and  left 
jlanks  on  the^27th,  was  in  the  highest  degree  praiseworthy. 

1  am.  Lieutenant,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

fEORGE  M.  EDGAR, 
Itenant  Colonel  commanding. 


lAeutc 


551 
LIST  OF  CASUALTIES  Txomty-sixth   Virginia  Battalion. 


KILLED. 

Company  E — Corporal  A.  McHefner. 
Company  A — Private  George  A.  Peal. 

"WOUNDED. 

Company  A — Captain  Z.  F.  Morris,  head,  terious  ;  Lieutenant  B. 
D.  Graves,  hip,  serious ;  Lieutenant  C.  C.  Crouch,  breast,  mortal ; 
Corporal  G.  A.  AVickhara,  shoulder,  slight ;  private  William  Brooks, 
arm,  severe. 

Company  B — Private  M.  "Willis,  thigh,  severe  ;  private  George 
Kincaid,  thigh,  slight. 

Company  C — Corporal  C.  E.  Ballard,  hip,  severe ;  private  W.  II. 
P>elcher,  back,  severe ;  E.  G.  Peters,  both  logs,  slight ;  B.  C.  Car- 
lisle, breast,  slight. 

Company  D — John  Collins,  both  thighs,  severe ;  P.  P.  Channing, 
knee,  severe. 

Company  E — Lieutenant  A.  Cox,  arm,  slight ;  private  W.  II.  Van 
Kuren,  hip,  leg,  arm  and  face,  severe;  M.  I'erkins,  face,  slight;  Z. 
F.  Perkins,  breast  and  chin,  severe  ;  George  Feauister,  leg  ;  A.  J. 
Rucker,  arm,  slight ;  L.  Y.  Hefner,  shoulder,  slight ;  J.  F.  Perry, 
leg,  slight;  George  Smitson,  arm,  slight;  J.  L.  Ripley,  leg,  slight; 
J.  M.  Nelson,  leg,  slight ;  J.  K.  Smitson,  leg,  slight ;  E.  ]^liQt,  head, 
slight. 

Company  F — Lewis  Cattle,  breast,  mortal ;  A.  B.  H.  Young,  knee, 
slight. 

MISSING. 

Company  A — Private  Thomas  Thomas. 

RECAPITULVTION. 

Officers.  Enlisted  3Itn. 
Killed,               -             -             -              ..  2 

Mortally  wounded,         -  -  1  1 

Seriously  wounded,        -  -  2  9 

Slightly  wounded,         -  -  1  15 

Missing,  -  -  -  . .  1 

Total,    -  -  -  4  28     . 

Aggregate  loss,  thirty-tAvo. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

GEORGE  M.  EDGAR, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  commanding. 


REPORT  OF  MAJOR  BAILEY. 

Cami'  T^venty-Secovp  Virginia  Rf.gimf.nt, 
Augusl  29,  1563. 

Lieutenant  Novs  Rand,  A.  A.  A.  G.: 

Lii.UTK.>  ANT  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  followiag  report  of  the 
p.irt  taken  l>y  the  twenty-second  Virginia  regiment  in  the  action  of 
the  2Cth  and  :27th  of  August,  near  the  White  Sulphur  Springs: 

In  ohedience  to  an.  order  from  Colonel  George  S.  Patton,  command- 
ing the  Confederate  forces,  the  twenty-second  regiment,  consisting  of 
nine  companies,  company  K  being  stationed  at  the  Narrows  of  New 
river,  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  to  support,  and  immediately  in 
front  cf,  Chapman's  battery,  with  orders  to  hold  the  position  at  all 
hazards  ,  this  being  the  centre  of  the  Confederate  lines.  The  strength 
of  the  regiment  actually  in  the  fight  was  about  five  hundred  aggre- 
gate. Soon  after  forming,  the  following  companies,  i.  c,  company  A, 
company  B,  com.pany  E,  company  G  aiid  company  H,  were  detaehed, 
by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Barbce,  and  deployed  as  skirmishers,  on  a 
ridge,  about  one  thou.smd  yards  in  front  of,  and  stretching  some  dis- 
tance to  the  hft  of,  the  four  remaining  companies  under  my  charge. 
The  skirmishing  companies  soon  became  hotly  engaged,  holding  their 
ground  for  some  time,  stubbornly  resisting  and  beating  back  the 
enemy,  till  being  attacked  by  a  much  superior  force,  ihey  were  com- 
pelled to  fall  back  on  the  line  In  making  this  movement,  companies 
II,  E,  G,  B,  and  a  }»ortion  of  company  A,  all  under  the  command  of 
Lieutenant  Colonel  A.  R.  Barbee,  took  position  on  the  extreme  left  of 
the  line,  with  Colonel  Derri«k  ;  the  other  portion  of  company  A  fell 
back  to  the  companies  under  my  command.  Of  the  further  action  of 
the  four  above  mentioned  companies,  I  am  unable  to  speak,  as  they 
were  not  ordered  up  to  my  line  till  the  fight  was  over.  About  this 
time,  Lieutciiiint  Colonel  Barbce  was  wounded,  when  the  command  of 
the  regiment  devolved  upon  me. 

The  four  companies,  and  the  half  of  the  fifth,  under  my  charge, 
went  into  the  fight  with  the  following  numbers  :  Company  A,  thirty 
privates  and  three  comiLissioned  officers,  (during  the  nigiit  the  re- 
mainder of  this  company  was  brought  up  ;)  company  C,  forty-five 
privates  and  non-commissioned  oflicers,  and  one  commissioned  oliicer  ; 
cor.Tpai.y  1),  lorty-four  privates  and  non-commi3sioned  oflicers,  and 
three  commissioned  officers  ;  company  F,  forty-four  privates  and  non- 
commissioned officers,  and  three  commissioned  officers,  and  company 
G,  thrirty-threc  privates  and  non-commissioned  officers,  and  four 
commissioned  officers. 

The  position  assigned  my  command— an  open  field,  without  any 
protection,  save  such  as  was  afforded  by  a  low  rail  fence — was  much 
exposed,  during  the  entire  fight,  to  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry,  and  the 
frequent  discharges  of  grape,  shell  and  canister,  which  the  enemy 
threw  with  great  accuracy,  in  consequence  of  which  we  lost  heavily 


553 

the  first  day.  Notwithstandiog  the  great  disadvantges  under  which 
they  labored,  the  officers  and  men  acted  most  nobly,  repelling  the 
oft- repeated  and  daring  attempts  of  the  enemy  to* dislodge  them.  The 
commanders  of  companies,  and  their  subordinate  officers,  are  entitled 
to  much  praise,  for  their  coolness  under  fire,  and  the  tenacity  with 
which  they  held  their  ground.  The  enemy  having  signally  failed 
with  artillery  in  all  their  attempts  to  drive  my  command  back,  brought 
one  regiment  up  in  front,  with  one  more  as  a  support,  and  com- 
menced a  spirited  and  hold  charge  on  my  lines.  This  may  be  con- 
sidered the  most  critical  moment.  My  ammunition  was  almost 
entirely  exhausted  ;  few  had  more  than  five  rounds,  many  none  at  all. 
This  caused  some  to  break  to  the  rear,  but  they  were  easily  rallied  by 
their  company  officers.  The  enemy,  advancing  with  loud  cheers, 
made  a  most  desperate  assault  on  our  lines.  Here  the  bra¥ery  of  the 
troops  was  conspicuous;  led  on  by  their  company  officers,  they  de- 
terminately  met  the  foe,  and  repulsed  thorn  in  handsome  style,  driving 
them  in  confusion  beyond  their  own  lines,  killing  many,  and  wound- 
ing and  capturing  the  field  officer,  who  headed  the  charge.  • 

My  thanks  are  due  Lieutenant  E.  A.  Jackson,  acting  adjutant,  for 
his  prompt  execution  of  orders,  and  Sergeant  Major  Quarrier,  for  his 
exertions  in  helping  the  men  at  their  posts.  Too  much  credit  can- 
not be  given  Captain  John  K.  Thompson,  acting  field  officer,  who 
assisted  me  much  by  his  coolness  and  conspicuous  gallantry.  While 
the  enemy  were  vigorously  attacking  my  lines,  two  companies  from 
Derrick's  battalion  came  bravely  to  our  assistance,  and  rendered  good 
service.  After  this  charge  was  broken,  we  were  exposed  to  a  con- 
tinuous fire  of  artillery'-  and  small  arms,  till  after  nightfall.  During 
the  night,  the  command  was  busily  engaged  preparing  for  the  follow- 
ing day. 

At  daybreak  of  the  27th,  the  enemy  opened  on  us  again,  and  kept 
up  a  spirited  fire  till  about  eleven,  A.  M.,  when  they  again  attempted 
to  form  and  charge  us,  but  were  whipped,  scattered,  and  driven  in 
disorder  back  before  they  could  form ;  and  being  repulsed  along  the 
entire  line,  retreated  hastily  from  the  field.  My  command  was  under 
fire  twelve  hours  the  first  day,  and  about  five  the  second.  Captured 
tAventy  prisoners,  among  them  one  field  officer;  and  brought  off  a 
good  many  guns  and  pistols. 

Attached  to  this  report  you  will  find  a  list  of  the  casualties  in  this 
regiment. 

I  have  the  honor,  Lieutenant,  to  remain. 

Very  respectfully,  &c., 

R.  A.  BAILEY, 
Major  Twenty-Second  Virginia  Rtgijneni. 


CASUALTIES  in   22d   Virginia  regiment  in  action   on  the  26ih  and 
2Tth  August,  1863,  ?iear  White  Sulphur  Springs. 

Field  and  staff — Lieutenant  Colonel  A.  R.  Barbee,  left  arm  severely; 
Bcrgeant-major,  M.  Quarrier  chin  slightly. 


554 

Company  A — Killed,  privates,  Henry  Gregory,  J.  J.  Hill,  John 
Smith.  Wounded,  privates  F.  M.  Agee,  head  slightly  ;  Fielden  Bailey, 
arm  severely;  J.  H.'  Cartwell,  thigh  severely;  Paul  Dickersou,  head 
severely;  David"  F,  Fitzwater,  thigh  severely  ;  Thomas  H.  Harman, 
thigh  and  arm  severely  ;  James  W.  Hess,  arm  slightly  ;  J.  M.  Hick3, 
breast  seriously  ;  Simeon  Kelley,  breast  seriously  ;  J.  D.  Rouk,  head 
slightly;  A.  C.  Tucker,  head  slightly;  John  Wallage,  leg  severely; 
Henry  VN^atkins,  arm  slightly.  Total  wounded,  thirteen.  Killed  and 
wounded,  sixteen. 

Company  B — Wounded,  William  Taylor,  private,  head  slightly;  Eze- 
kiel  Flint,  leg  severely.     Aggregate,  two. 

Company  C — Killed,  second  sergeant  J.  J.  Bowers ;  privates  Wm. 
McGraw,  (Jeorge  W.  Collins.  Wounded,  privates  F.  P.  Wilig,  head 
slightly ;  J.  W.  Robinson,  foot  slightly  ;  Mordeoai  Halstcad,  both 
legs  and  side  seriously  ;  Carry  Rule,  arm  severely  ;  Obediah  Hen- 
drick,  neck  and  arm  severely  ;  G.  S.  McCutchin,  leg  severely  ;  G. 
AV.  McDaniel,  arm  slightly;  James  W.  Ronner,  arm  slightly;  W. 
Kincaid,  iiightly.  Total,  nine.  Aggregate  killed  and  wounded,  twelve. 

Company  D — Killed,  none.  Wounded,  second  sergeant,  Valentine 
Livesey,  arm  slightly;  cor'I  Wra.  A.  Jones,  shoulder  severely;  cor'l  R. 
B.  Dorsey,  breast  severely  ;  privates,  Thos.  Elliott,  hand  and  leg  se- 
riously ;  Perre  Stull,  neck  slightly;  James  M.  Walker,  thigh  slightly; 
F.  H.  Clemans,  arm  seriously  ;  J.  J.  Taylor  thigh  slightly.  Aggre- 
gate, eight. 

Company  E — Wounded,  privates  M.  W.  France,  in  leg,  severely  ; 
J.  S.  Booth,  shoulder,  severely;  Stuart  Eagle,  both  legs  seriously. 
Aggregate,  three. 

Company  F — Wounded,  second  Lieutenant  B.  P.  Shumate  thigh, 
severely;  third  Lieutenant  J.  0.  Miller,  head  slightly;  corporal 
S.  A.  Boaden,  side  slightly  ;  privates  E.  C.  Eaclos,  head  se- 
riously;  J.  F.  Pugh,  shoulder  severely;  J.  H.  Ingles,  back 
slightly  ;  Robert  Boyd,  thigh  severely  ;  J.  W.  Grubb,  foot  severely; 
missing,  privates  J.  L.  Fox,  W.  A.  Hoalsten.     Aggregate  ten. 

Company  G — Wounded,  Davidson  Smith,  shoulder  severely  ;  W. 
H.  Toler,  face  slightly  ;  A.  B.  Lester,  hand  slightly  ;  missing,  ser- 
geant William  Harvey,  privates  R.  F.  Smith,  Benton  Boyer,  A.  C. 
Sawyer,  G.  W.  Erskin,  M.  J.  Arritt.     Aggregate  nine. 

Company  H — Killed,  two — Lieutenant  J.  G.  Carr,  private  J.  Hug- 
gard.  Wounded,  D.  Bailey,  private,  hip,  severely  ;  private  R.  C. 
Danner,  wounded  in  foot  seriously.  Missing,  J.  D.  McConaha,  Al- 
len King,  privates.     Aggregate,  six. 

Company  1 — Killed,  Ely  Miller,  private.  Wounded,  first  Lieuten- 
ant L  R.  Dodd,  hip  slightly  ;  second  Lieutenant  J.  F.  Ballard,  breast 
seriously;  third  Lieutenant  W.  J.  Huff,  hand  slightly;  corporal  Jno. 
P.  Faught,  arm  sli^ditly ;  privates  William  Allen,  arm  slightly ;  Mas- 
ten  Estop  and  W.  Estep,  hand  slightly ;  William  Bruffman,  arm  se- 
riously Van  B.  Holstien  hip  seriously ;  Anderson  Jarrell,  arm 
slightly.     Aggregate,  eleven. 


555 


KECAPITULATIOX. 


Killed — One  officer,  one  non-coramissioRed  officer,  ami  seven  pri- 
vates. 

Wounded — Sis    officers,  six   non-commissioned  officers,  and  forty- 
eight  privates. 

Missing — One  non-commissioned  officer,  and  nine  privates. 
-Aggregate — sevcntj-nine. 

R.  A.  BAILEY, 
Major  commanding  tioenty -second  Virginia. 


RErORT  OF  MAJOR  McLAUGlILIN. 

Lewisburg,  Va.,  August  31,  1863. 

Colonel  George  S.  Patton, 

Commanding  first  brigade  : 

Colonel:  At  your  request,  I  .submit  the  followinf^  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  artilleryin  the  battle  cf  the  White  Sulphur  Springs, 
on  the  26th  and  27th  instants.  Having  ascertained  that  the  enemy 
were  advancing  in  force,  I  ordered  up  two  pieces  of  Captain  Chap- 
man's battery,  which  were  rapidly  brought  up  and  placed  in  position, 
and  opened  upon  the  enemy,  which,  with  the  assistance  of  Captain 
Reid's  company  of  the  twenty-sixth  Virginia  battalion  deployed  as 
skirmishers,  succeeded  in  checking  the  enemy  until  the  other  troops 
could  be  put  in  position.  The  other  two  pieces  of  the  battery  were 
soon  placed  in  position  in  the  same  neighborhood.  This  battery,  the 
only  one  present,  then  engaged  the  enemy's  battery  of  four  Parrott  and 
two  six-pounder  guns,  and  at  intervals  during  the  day  and  the  morn- 
ing of  the  next  day,  continued  to  fire  upon  the  enemy's  artillery  and 
infantry,  a  more  detailed  statement  of  which  will  be  found  in  Captain 
Chapman's  report. 

It  affords  me  great  pleasure  to  bear  testimony  to  the  cillcitiicy  with 
which  the  battery  was  handled,  and  to  its  marked  effect  upon  the  ene- 
my, as  attested  by  the  destruction  of  the  timber  in  and  aiDuiulliis  bat- 
tery, and  by  one  of  his  guns  being  permanently  disabled,  and  another 
dismounted,  the  carriage  of  which  was  left  on  the  field. 

The  men  of  the  battery  stood  bravely  and  steadily  by  their  guns, 
though  subjected  to  a  steady,  hot,  and  well  directed  fire  from  the  en- 
emy's guns,  and  too  much  credit  cannot  be  awarded  to  Captain  Chap- 
man, for  the  zeal,  gallantry  and  energy  displayed  by  him  throughout 
the  engagement. 

Lhave  the  honor  to  bo,  Colonel, 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WILLIAM  McLaughlin, 

Major  commanding  artillery,  Department  Western  Virginia. 


REPORT  OF  CAPTAIN  CHAPMAN. 

.1 


Headquarters  of  Battery, 
Camp  Sam  Jones,  August  31,  1863. 


Lieutenant  Noyes  Rand,  A.  A.  A.  G. : 

My  battery,  consisting  of  two  three-inch  rifled  guns,  one  twelve- 
pounder  howitzer  and  one  twenty-four-pounder  howitzer,  was  placed 
in  position  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M.,  August  25th,  1863,  on  an  emi- 
nence commanding  the  approach  of  the  enemy.  We  immediately 
opened  on  their  columns,  firing  slowly  and  deliberately. 

Their  artillery  soon  returned  our  fire  with  rapidity  and  accuracy. 
In  a  short  time  one  of  my  rifle  guns  was  dismounted,  the  enemy's 
shot  having  twice  struck  the  axle  body  of  the  gun  carriage.  The  pieee 
was  immediately  sent  to  the  rear  for  repairs.  We  maintained  our 
position  with  the  remaining  pieces,  until  the  wheel  of  one  was  struck, 
and  cannister  had  lodged  in  the  bore  of  the  other.  An  incrustation 
of  rust,  caused  by  repeated  firing,  collected  on  the  interior  of  the 
bore,  and  reduced  the  windage  to  such  a  degree  that  we  were  unable 
to  drive  the  cannister  home.  I  moved  these  pieces  ;to  the  rear  for  re- 
pairs, and  ordered  the  remaining  piece  to  maintain  its  position.  This 
piece  was  ordered  to  the  rear,  during  my  absence  from  the  field  with- 
out my  knowledge  or  consent.  The  pieces  having  been  repaired,  we  as- 
cended to  our  former  position.  When  we  had  almost  gained  the  sum- 
mit of  the  hill  I  espied  what  I  supposed  to  be  four  artillery  horses. 
Believing  them  to  be  the  horses  I  had  ordered  to  remain,  I  directed 
one  of  the  ofllicers  to  move  his  gun  to  a  better  position.  He  soon  re- 
turned and  reported  that  it  was  one  of  the  enemy's  pieces.  I  imme- 
diately executed  a  left-about  with  the  pieces,  occupied  the  first  knoll 
in  our  front,  and  ordered  the  guns  to  unlimber  and  prepare  for  firing. 
Fortunately,  however,  the  piece  whose  limber  was  supplied  with  can- 
nister, became  choked  and  we  were  compelled  to  move  it  to  the  rear. 
The  above  mistake,  under  the  circumstances,  was  exceedingly  natural. 
For  it  was  supposed  that  our  left  flank  was  giving  away,  and  the  re- 
ports that  met  us,  as  we  ascended  the  hill,  were  of  rather  a  gloomy 
nature. 

The  enemy's  shells,  bursting  so  close  to  the  horses,  we  mistook  for 
the  flash  a  gun.  We  have  great  reasons  to  be  thankful  that  our  gun 
became  unfitted  for  firing  at  this  particular  time,  for  had  we  opened 
on  what  we  supposed  to  be  the  enemy's  gun,  we  might  have  damaged 
our  own  cause,  and  demoralized  our  men.  The  pieces  having  been 
repaired  we  again  ascended  the  hill  and  maintained  our  position  until 
the  enemy  retreated.  We  pursued  with  one  rifle  gun,  and  shelled  the 
ravines  and  gorges,  whenever  an  opportunity  aff'orded. 

We  have  the  proud  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  no  piece  was  or- 
dered to  the  rear  unless  disabled  or  fdr  want  of  ammunition.  The  bat- 
tery was  frequently  struck  but  no  permanent  injuries  inflicted.  We 
lost  one  man  killed  and  five  wounded ;  three  horses  killed  and  eight 
mounded.     It  may  not  be  amiss  to  call  the  attention  of  the  command- 


Uo-) 


ing  oflBcer  to  the  calibre  and  quality  of  the  guns-  composing  the  bat- 
teries of  the  enemy.  My  battery  should  be  suppled  with  guns  of  a 
gimular  quality,  if  it  be  expected  to  contend  successfully  with  the 
enemy's  artillery.  The  members  of  th.e  battery  deserve  some  praise 
for  the  manner  in  which  they  maintained  their  posts  and  performed 
their  duties.  I  will  site  no  instances  of  indivilual  gallantry  for  fear 
of  doing  injustice  to  others  equally  brave.  I  know  not  the  extent  of 
damage  inflicted  on  the  enemy  by  our  artillery.  If  we  committed  any 
errors,  we  trust  we  may  be  afforded  an  opportunity  in  future  to  rec- 
tify them. 

Very  respectfully, 

G.  B.  CHAPMAN, 
Captain  commanding  Batteri,:. 


A  LIST  OF  TEE  CASUALTIES  in  Chapman's  battery,  in  the  engage- 
ment near  White  Sulphur  Springs,  on  25th  and  26th  of  August,  1863  ; 

Killed— Private  R.  T.  Minner. 

Wounded — Corporal  W.  M  Robinson,  s'iverely  in  arm  and  slightly 
in  hip  ;  privates  W.  A.  McGray,  severely  in  hand,  (since  amputated,) 
J.  S.  Barnett,  in  arm;  J.  F.  Lowe,  in  leg;  C.  C.  Banks,  in  arm. 

G.  B.  CHAPMAN, 
Captain  cymmanding  Battery. 


OPERATIONS    BEFORE    CHATTANOOGA. 


IIEPOUT  OF  GENERAL  BRAGG. 


Headquarters  Army  of  Tennessee, 
Dalton,  Ga.,  SOth  Nov.  1863. 

General  S.  Cooper, 

Adjutant  and  Inspector  General,  Richmond : 

Sir  :  On  Monday,  the  2Sd,  the  enemy  advanced  in  heavy  force  and 
drove  in  our  picket  line  in  front  of  Missionary  ridge,  but  made  no 
further  eifort. 

On  Tuesday  morning  early,  they  threw  over  the  river  a  heavy  force, 
opposite  the  north  end  of  the  ridge,  and  just  below  the  mouth  of  the 
Chickamauga,  at  the  same  time  displaying  a  heavy  force  in  our  im- 
mediate front.  After  visiting  the  right  and  making  dispositions  there 
for  the  new  development  in  that  direction,  I  returned  towards  the  left, 
to  find  a  heavy  cannonading  going  on  from  the  enemy's  batteries  on 
eur  forces  occupying  the  slope  of  Lookout  mountain,  between  the 
crest  and  the  river.  A  very  heavy  force  soon  advanced  to  the  as- 
sault, and  waa  met  by  one  brigade  only,  WalthalKs,  which  made  a 
desperate  resistance,  but  was  finally  compelled  to  yield  ground. 
Why  this  command  was  not  sustained  is  yet  unexplained.  The  com- 
mander on  that  part  of  the  field,  Major  General  Stevenson,  had  six 
brigades  at  his  disposal.  Upon  his  urgent  appeal,  another  brigade 
was  despatched  in  the  afternoon  to  his  support,  though  it  appeared  his 
own  forces  had  not  been  brought  into  action,  and  I  proceeded  to  the 
scene. 

Arriving  just  before  sunset,  I  found  that  we  had  lost  all  the  advan- 
tages of  the  position.  Orders  were  immediately  given  for  the  ground 
to  be  disputed  until  we  could  withdraw  our  forces  across  Chattanooga 
creek,  and  the  movement  was  commenced.  This  having  been  success- 
fully accomplished,  our  whole  forces  were  concentrated  on  the  ridge, 
and  extended  to  the  right  to  meet  the  movement  in  that  direction. 

On  Wednesday,  the  25th,  I  again  visited  the  extreme  right  now 
under  Lieutenant  General  Hardee,  and  threatened  by  a  heavy  force, 
whilst  strong  columns  could  be  seen  marching  in  that  direction.  A 
very  heavy  fbrce  in  line  of  battle  confronted  our  left  and  centre. 


560 

On  my  return  to  this  point,  about  eleven,  A.  M.,  the  enemy's 
forces  were  being  moved  in  heavy  masses  from  Lookout,  and  beyond, 
to  our  front,  vrhilst  those  in  front  extended  to  our  right.  They 
formed  their  lines  with  great  deliberation,  just  beyond  tho  range  of 
our  guns,  and  in  plain  view  of  our  position. 

Though  greatly  outnumbered,  such  was  the  strength  of  our  posi- 
tion that  no  doubt  was  entertained  of  our  ability  to  hold  it,  and  every 
disposition  was  made  for  that  purpose.  During  this  time  they  had 
made  several  attempts  on  our  extreme  right,  and  had  been  handsomely 
repulsed,  with  very  heavy  loss,  by  Major  General  Cleburne's  com- 
mand, under  the  immediate  direction  of  Lieutenant  General  Hardee. 
By  the  road  across  the  ridge  at  Rossville,  far  to  our  left,  a  route  Avas 
open  to  our  rear.  Major  General  Breckinridge,  commanding  on  the 
left,  had  occupied  this  with  two  regiments  and  a  battery.  It  being 
reported  to  me  that  a  force  of  the  enemy  had  moved  in  that  direction, 
the  General  was  ordered  to  have  it  reconnoitered,  and  to  make  every 
disposition  necessary  to  secure  his  flank,  which  he  proceeded  to  do. 

About  half-past  three,  P.  M.,  the  immense  force  in  the  front  cf  our 
left  and  centre  advanced  in  three  lines,  preceded  by  heavy  skirmish- 
ers. Our  batteries  opened  with  fine  effect,  and  much  confusion  Avas 
produced,  before  they  reached  musket  range.  In  a  short  time  the 
roar  of  musketry  became  very  heavy,  and  it  was  soon  apparent  the 
enemy  had  been  repulsed  in  my  immediate  front. 

Whilst  riding  along  the  crest,  congratulating  the  troops,  intelli- 
gence reached  me  that  our  line  was  broken  on  my  right,  and  the  en- 
emy had  crowned  the  ridge.  Assistance  was  promptly  despatched  to 
that  point  under  Brigadier  General  Bate,  who  had  so  successfully  main- 
tained the  ground  in  my  front,  and  I  proceeded  to  the  rear  of 
the  broken  line  to  rally  our  retiring  troops,  and  return  them 
to  the  crest  to  drive  tho  enemy  back.  General  Bate  found  the  disas- 
ter so  great  that  his  small  force  could  not  repair  it.  About  this  time, 
I  learned  that  our  extreme  left  had  also  given  way,  and  that  my  po- 
sition was  almost  surrounded.  Bate  was  immediately  directed  to  form 
a  second  line  in  the  rear,  where,  by  the  efforts  of  my  staff,  a  nucleus 
of  stragglers  had  been  formed,  upon  which  to  rally. 

Lieutenant  General  Hardee, 'leaving  Major  General  Cleburne  in 
coranuind  on  the  extreme  right,  moved  tOAvards  the  left,  when  he  heard 
the  heavy  firing  in  that  direction.  He  reached  the  right  of  Ander- 
Bon's  ilivision  just  in  time  to  find  it  had  nearly  all  fallen  back,  com- 
mencing on  its  left,  where  the  enemy  had  first  crowned  the  ridge.  By 
a  prompt  and  juilicious  movement,  he  threw  a  portion  of  Cheatham's 
division  directly  across  the  ridge,  facing  the  enemy,  who  was  now 
moving  a  strong  force  immediately  on  his  left  flank.  By  a  decided 
stand  here,  the  enemy  was  entirely  checked,  and  that  portion  of  our 
force  to  the  right  remained  intact.  All  to  the  left,  however,  except  a 
portion  of  Bate's  division,  was  entirely  routed,  and  in  rapid  flight, 
nearly  all  the  artillery  having  been  shamefully  abandoned  by  its  in- 
fantry support.  Every  effort  which  could  be  made  by  myself  and 
staff,  and  by  many  other  mounted  officers,  availed  but  little.  A  panic, 
which  I  had  never  before  witnessed,  seemed  to  have  seized  upon  offi- 


ccrs  and  men,  and  each  seemed  to  be  struggling  for  his  personal  safetrJ 
regardless   of  his   duty  or    his    character.     In    this    distressing  aadlj 
alarming  state  of  aifairs,  General  Bate  was  ordered  to  hold  his  po3t-J 
tion,  coverinci:  the  road  for  the  retreat  of  Breckinridge's  command: 
and  orders  were  iiumediately  sent  to  Generals  Hardee  and  Breckin- 
ridge tGnretire  their  forces  upon  the  depot  at   Chickamauga.      Forto.^ 
nately,  it  was  now  near  nightfflll,  and  the   country  and   roads  in   aai 
rear  were  fully  knoAvn  to  us,  but   equally  unknown  to  the   enemy. 
The  routed  left  made  its  way  back  in  great  disorder,  eft'ectually  covere«i, 
however,    by    Bate'ss    mall    command,    which    had    a   sharp   conflict 
with  the  enemy's  advance,  driving  it   back.     After   night,  all    being; 
quiet,  Bate  retired  in  good  order,  the  enemy  attempting  no  pursnit. 
Lieutenant  General  Hardee's  command,  under  his  judicious  manage- 
ment, retired  in  good  order  and  unmolested. 

I  As  soon  as  all  the  troops  had  crossed,  the  bridges  over  the  Chick- 
amauga were  destroyed,  to  impede  the  enemy,  thougli^he  stream  wa? 
fordable  in  several  places. 

No  satisfactory  excuse  can  possibly  be  given  for  the  shameful  Ci)a- 
duct  of  our  troops  on  the  left,  in  allowing  their  line  to  be  penetrated. 
The  position  was  one  which  ought  to  have  been  held  by  a  line  of  skir- 
mishers against  any  assaulting  column  ;  and  wherever  resistance  wi'' 
made  the  enemy  fled  in  disonler  after  suffering  heavy  loss.  Those 
who  reached  the  ridge,  did  so  in  a  condition  of  exhiustion  from  the 
great  physical  exertion  in  climbing,  which  rendered  tliem  powerles* ; 
and  the  slightest  effort  would  have  destroyed  them. 

Having  secured  much  of  our  artillery,  they  soon  availed  themseive* 
of  our  panic,  and  turning  our  guns  upon  us,  enfiladed  the  lines,  both 
right  and  left,  rendering  them  entirely  untenable.  Had  all  parts  of 
the  line  been  maintained  with  equal  gallantry  and  persistence,  no  en- 
emy could  ever  have  dislodged  us;  and  but  one  possible  reason  pre- 
sents its  itself  to  my  mind  in  explanation  of  this  bad  conduct  in  vet- 
eran troops,  who  had  never  before  failed  in  any  duty  assigned  them, 
however  diHicult  and  hazardous.  They  had  for  two  days  confronted 
the  enemy,  marshaling  his  immense  forces  in  plain  view,  and  exhib- 
iting to  their  sight  such  a  superiority  in  numbers,  as  may  have  intimi- 
dated weak  minds  and  untried  soldiers.  But  Dur  veterans  had  so 
often  encountered  similar  hosts,  when  the  strength  of  position  was 
against  us,  and  with  perfect  success,  that  not  a  doubt  crossed  my 
mind.  As  yet,  I  am  not  fully  informed  as  to  the  commands  which  first 
fled  and  brought  this  great  disaster  and  disgrace  upon  our  arms.  In- 
vestigation will  bring  out  the  truth,  however,  and  full  justice  shall  be 
done  to  the  good  and  the  bad. 

After  arriving  at  Chickamauga,  and  informing  myself  of  the  full 
condition  of  affairs,  it  was  decided  to  put  the  army  in  motion  for  a, 
point  further  removed  from  a  powerful  and  victorious  army,  that  we 
might  have  some  littje  time  to  replenish  and  recuperate  for  anothl||r 
struggle.  The  enemy  made  pursuit  as  far  as  Ringgold,  but  was  ai> 
handsomely  checked  by  Major  General  Cleburne,  and  Brigadier  Gen- 
eral Gist,  in  command  of  their  respective  divisions,  that  he  gave  u*. 
but  little  annoyance. 
36 


Lieutenant  General  llHrdce.  as  usual,  is  entitled  to  my  warmest 
thanks  and  hi;rh  coiximendalion.  for  bis  gallaiit  and  judicious  conduct 
during'  the  wliole  of  the  rrYing  scenes  thiough  whicii  we  passed. 

Major  General  <.'leburne,  whose  command  defeated  the  enemy  in 
everv  as-nult  on  the  '25th,  and  who  eventually  charged  and  routed 
him  on  that  day,  capturing  several  stands  of  colors,  and  several  hun- 
dred prisoners,  and  who  afterwards  bought  up  our  rear  with  great 
success,  agiiin  charging  and  routing  the  pur'^uing  column  at  Ring- 
gold on  the  27th,  is  commended  to  the  special  notice  of  the  Govern- 
ment. 

Brigadier  Generals  Gist  and  Bate,  commanding  divisions,  Gum- 
ming, Walthall  and  I'olk,  commanding  brigades,  were  distinguished 
for  coolness,  gallantry,  and  successful  conduct,  throughout  the  en- 
gagements, and  in  the  rear  guard  on  the  retreat. 

To  my  staft*,  personal  and  general,  my  thanks  are  specially  due,  for 
their  gallant  and  zealous  efforts,  under  fire,  to  rally  the  broken  troops 
and  restore  orwr,  and  for  their  laborious  services  in  conducting  suc- 
cessfully the  many  and  arduous  duties  of  the  retreat. 

(Jut  losses  are  not  3'et  ascertained  ;  but  in  killed  and  wounded  it  is 
known  to  have  been  very  small..  In  prisoners  and  stragglers,  I  fear 
it  is  much  larger. 

The  chief  of  artillery  reports  the  loss  of  forty  (4t>)pieces. 
I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

'BRAXTON  BRAGG, 

General  commanding. 


siBnic  ^a 


Date  Due 


Jill  1 

41 

r,.itn  335— IfiM 

— 7-3fi— S 

973.742      C748V.-::    344399 
Tv   K  t 
C.S.A  War-Dept, 

Official  ReD-ort    of 


DATC"  ISSUED   TO 


C748\v  •-•■ 


544399 


